• Trump has publicly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
• The Norwegian Nobel Committee maintains that media influence won't affect their decision.
• Several foreign leaders have been mentioned in connection with Trump's nomination.
• The committee's independence remains a key focus amid discussions.
• The Nobel laureate will be announced on October 10, 2025.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee remains steadfast in its independence, despite US President Donald Trump's insistence that he deserves the accolade. The committee's secretary, Kristian Berg Harpviken, emphasized that it evaluates nominees based solely on their merits, stating, "But that really has no impact on the discussions that are going on in the committee," according to Indiatimes.

Trump, who returned to the White House in January, has been vocal about his pursuit of the Nobel Prize, likening himself to Barack Obama, who was awarded the honor in 2009. Trump's claims include assertions that he has "ended six wars," despite ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Harpviken reiterated that "the committee considers each individual nominee on his or her own merits" regardless of media buzz or public campaigns, reflecting the committee's commitment to impartiality, as reported by South China Morning Post and TRT Global.

The eligibility for nominations encompasses a wide range of individuals, including lawmakers and university professors from various countries. With the deadline having passed on January 31, just days after Trump's return to office, many believe that the foreign endorsements Trump cites as supportive came too late for consideration this year, according to Dawn.

Harpviken noted that "to be nominated is not necessarily a great achievement. The great achievement is to become a laureate." The committee will select from a longlist of 338 nominees, considering substantive contributions to peace over any fleeting media interest, as previously stated Indiatimes, South China Morning Post, TRT Global, and Dawn.

Ultimately, the committee's independence is underscored by its historical decisions, such as awarding the 2010 prize to Liu Xiaobo against governmental wishes. Berg Harpviken commented, "The Nobel Committee acts entirely independently and cannot allow itself to take those considerations into account when it discusses individual candidates," emphasizing their commitment to the integrity of the Nobel Prize process Indiatimes, South China Morning Post, TRT Global, and Dawn.