• Trump's obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize raises eyebrows as he claims to deserve it.
• His administration cites multiple peace deals since returning to power on January 20.
• International leaders, including from Pakistan and Israel, have nominated Trump for the prize.
• Critics argue Trump's nomination undermines the award's integrity.
• Trump himself insists he deserves to win, despite skepticism from various quarters.

Since his January 20 return to power, Donald Trump has developed a notable focus on the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming that it is "well past time" for him to be awarded it. This sentiment was echoed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who cited that Trump has "brokered, on average, one peace deal or ceasefire per month," listing various international conflicts he has intervened in, including those in India, Pakistan, and Kosovo. Critics, however, have reacted with disbelief to his candidacy, as Trump's administration lacks significant achievements in resolving ongoing conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza, where the US has continued its support for Israel, according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

International leaders have expressed goodwill towards Trump's leadership by nominating him for the Nobel Prize, with notable nominations coming from Pakistan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a recent meeting, Trump welcomed the flattering comments from the African leaders present, underlining his belief that such accolades affirm his peacemaking efforts. Law professor Anat Alon-Beck, who nominated him, described Trump’s decisions regarding hostages in Gaza as demonstrating "extraordinary leadership" and "strategic brilliance," according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

The handling of Trump's candidacy has provoked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Critics, such as US history researcher Emma Shortis, have ridiculed the notion, stating that "nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize is like entering a hyena in a dog show," asserting that he does not merit the honor. In contrast, Trump insists that the public recognizes his efforts, even as he laments, "I deserve it, but they will never give it to me," reflecting his long-standing desire for further accolades. This contradiction highlights the complexities surrounding the political discourse related to his administration’s foreign policy, according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

As the Nobel committee prepares to announce this year’s nominees and winners, with the deadline for nominations approaching at the end of January, the discourse surrounding Trump’s ability to secure the award continues to evolve. Current betting markets place him in second position for the prize, trailing behind Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, illustrating the competitive nature of this year's nominations.Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.