Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Will Trump or Musk Take the Crown? See the Full List of Contenders

International News: Oslo is about to announce the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and few possible winners draw as much attention as Donald Trump. Over recent months, he has openly pushed for the award, and his case has gained weight after Israel and Hamas finally agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal that was floated by his governement.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has not hidden his wish to win. With only hours for the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, his efforts to sway the Norwegian Nobel Committee seem to have entered overdrive. The timing is also striking: the announcement comes right after a peace deal negotiated under Trump’s guidance brought a pause to fighting in Gaza. As news of the truce spread, supporters of the U.S. President filled news channels and social media, urging the committee to honour him for his involvement.

“Everyone is asking: ‘Will he receive the Nobel Peace Prize?’” said Brian Mast, a Republican congressman from Florida, while speaking on Fox News. “The scholars and elites in Norway … they must give it to President Trump.” Eylon Levy, who once spoke for the Israeli government, echoed that view: “Israelis rarely agree on much, but today they agree — President Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize.” Trump promptly acknowledged both men by name in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Though he often publicly appears modest about his chances, Trump is known to have pushed for the prize behind closed doors. Norwegian outlets reported that earlier this year, he directly called Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s finance minister, to bring up “the Nobel Peace Prize … and tariffs.” At rallies and meetings with his Cabinet, Trump frequently brings up the Nobel, sometimes comparing himself to Barack Obama, who won the prize in 2009. “If I had been Obama, I’d have got the Nobel in ten seconds,” he once quipped during a campaign event. Supporters describe his recent diplomatic moves — from the Israel-Hamas ceasefire to a Saudi-Iran economic cooperation proposal — as proof that he “ended more wars than he started.”

Other contenders for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

While Trump dominates much of the chatter, the Nobel Committee must review hundreds of nominations worldwide. Below are some of the leading names in the running this year:

Pope Francis (Posthumous Consideration)

The late Pope Francis, who passed away in April, was nominated by Dag Inge Ulstein, a Norwegian politician, for his strong efforts toward peace and fraternity among nations. But a Nobel rule against posthumous awards may block his path — the same rule that kept Mahatma Gandhi from ever receiving it.

Elon Musk

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was put forward by Slovenian MEP Branko Grims, who praised his defense of “freedom of speech” and “open dialogue.” Grims argued that such values point toward “peace through communication.”

Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is nominated for his emphasis on dialogue, regional calm, and diplomacy without force. Nominators also cite his part in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.

Imran Khan

Imran Khan, ex-prime minister of Pakistan and currently imprisoned, is nominated through the Pakistan World Alliance and Norway’s Partiet Sentrum party for his work on human rights and democracy. He was also nominated in 2019.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukraine’s leader remains a symbolic figure of resistance after Russia’s 2022 invasion. His leadership is still widely respected even as conflict continues.

Yulia Navalnaya

The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison earlier this year, Yulia Navalnaya has emerged as a strong voice for democracy and human rights — making her one of the notable contenders.

Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms

As conflict rages in Sudan, these local networks provide crucial aid — food, schooling, medical support — in some of the world’s worst humanitarian conditions. They’ve earned praise for their courage and service.

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)

This global medical group has kept working in Gaza despite repeated targeting. It reports that 15 of its staff have died in the conflict, revealing the danger faced by humanitarian workers.

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

CPJ has recorded record numbers of journalist deaths in the Israel-Gaza conflict, accusing Israel of systematic efforts to silence media. Its work has made it a strong candidate.

UNHCR

The U.N. refugee agency, a two-time Nobel laureate, is again nominated amid rising global displacement. Its chief, Filippo Grandi, has criticized nations for violating war laws in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.

UNRWA

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees is under controversy due to allegations involving some staff, but still plays a major role by running schools and clinics across Gaza and nearby regions.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

As the ICJ hears South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide, it could be honored for upholding international law in one of the most contentious conflicts in decades.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The ICC, which issued arrest warrants last year over alleged war crimes, is also in contention — though its own internal scandles could weaken its chances. As the Nobel Committee prepares to unveil its decision, all eyes are on Oslo. The central question: will Donald Trump’s bold, high-profile campaign finally succeed in earning him the prize he has so long sought?