overlooked<\/a>\u201d in 2025 \u2014 when the prize instead went to Venezuelan opposition leader Mar\u00eda Corina Machado \u2014 but believes this year could be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cTrump is the leading contender,\u201d said spokesperson Lee Phelps, putting his chances at roughly 25%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s actually a dip from late last year, when oddsmakers were even more bullish on Trump\u2019s chances \u2014 but he still tops the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From \u2018Snub\u2019 to Front-Runner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trump allies were vocal last year after Machado took the prize for her fight for democracy in Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many supporters argued Trump deserved recognition for his foreign policy moves during his second term \u2014 including efforts to broker peace in global conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adding fuel to that argument: Machado herself later honored Trump in a highly symbolic gesture, presenting him with her Nobel medal at the White House as a sign of gratitude for his role in Venezuela\u2019s political shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(While the Nobel Committee made clear the award itself can\u2019t be transferred, the moment still sent a powerful message.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump Makes His Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trump hasn\u2019t exactly been shy about his ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The president has repeatedly said he deserves the Nobel, pointing to what he claims are multiple ended conflicts and major breakthroughs on the world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI should have gotten it four or five times,\u201d he\u2019s said in the past \u2014 a line that continues to resonate with his supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Happens Next?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As always, the Nobel process remains tightly under wraps. Hundreds of candidates are nominated each year by lawmakers, academics, and past winners \u2014 but the official shortlist is never made public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced in October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until then, Trump sits in a familiar position: at the center of global attention \u2014 and, this time, at the top of the odds board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n