Former President Donald Trump continues to dominate headlines, most recently with his surprise nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. This policy change has resulted in a firestorm of controversy. Trump’s most radical actions, both during and after his presidency, particularly when affecting military spending and foreign relations, take center stage.
Trump’s administration significantly increased the Pentagon budget, emphasizing a robust military posture. He also marked the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday with a lavish military parade, signaling his determination to militarize domestic order. Until now, his approach to achieving peace has largely gone unchallenged. Trump’s subsequent executive order to eliminate the U.S. Institute of Peace should have surprised no one. That decision has resulted in the controversial firing of its president and board members.
During one famous meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, they diverged on some very provocative geopolitical questions. Some observers are starting to wonder if Trump thinks his own Nobel Peace Prize is going to be earned by successfully pressuring Ukraine to do the right thing. They say this approach derails sincere efforts to ensure greater peace and stability throughout the greater Middle East region.
Trump’s policies have been accused of facilitating the extermination of the Palestinian nation. They’ve fueled too the continued destruction in Ukraine. His actions exemplify the opposite of what the Nobel Peace Prize has come to represent. Alfred Nobel, the prize’s founder, envisioned it as an honor for those promoting “fraternity between nations” and advocating for “the abolition or reduction of standing armies.”
Alas, Trump’s nomination has certainly raised the eyebrows, particularly in historical context. Hitler was even nominated for the same award at one point. Critics say that impacts those nominating people terribly, leaving us in the aftermath for a few who fail to think about their actions. Other intelligent observers have suggested that Trump’s pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize is entirely self-interested. They worry that what drives him is a failure to deeply embrace peace.
Even so and in spite of these controversies, Trump’s nomination is still the fascinating story to follow. Few are taking it seriously, in part, because they know his history.