Letter to the Nobel Committee Opposing Trump’s 2025 Peace Prize Nomination: Who Nominated Him?
A group of lawyers and bar association heads from several Arab countries, including Morocco, has submitted a legal appeal urging the Norwegian Nobel Committee to reject what they described as the intended nomination of former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The initiative, which the group called a “moral warning,” raises concerns about the compatibility of Trump’s potential nomination with the principles and legacy of the prize’s founder, Alfred Nobel.
According to the Moroccan news outlet Hespress, the letter was spearheaded by Moroccan lawyer Khalid Sefiani and organized under the banner of the “Arab Legal Committee for the Prosecution of War Criminals.” It includes signatories from the legal professions in Morocco, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, and Libya.
Maintaining the Integrity of the Prize
The letter strongly criticized the idea of nominating Trump, asserting that the mere suggestion poses a threat to the ethical credibility of the Nobel Peace Prize and undermines the foundational vision of Alfred Nobel, who stipulated that the award be given to individuals actively promoting peace, fostering fraternity among nations, and opposing war and racial discrimination.
The signatories argued that Trump does not embody these values. According to the letter, his record includes support for military interventions, associations with alleged violations of international law and human rights, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern conflicts.
The letter further referenced Trump’s support for military campaigns against civilians, his backing of governments and leaders accused of war crimes, and his policies related to Palestine and the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. It also cited his legal and financial history, claiming these factors pose an ethical barrier to his nomination for a global peace award.
Concerns Over International Norms
The letter accuses Trump of undermining international humanitarian law and contributing to global instability. The signatories warned that his nomination could be interpreted as a political endorsement of individuals accused of violating international norms and a sign of increasing politicization of global awards.
Clear Demands to the Nobel Committee
The letter calls on the Nobel Committee to:
Reject any nomination of former U.S. President Donald Trump;
Safeguard the foundational values, global reputation, and moral authority of the Nobel Peace Prize;
Consider candidates who have demonstrably advanced peace and human rights, such as UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and other nominees meeting ethical and humanitarian standards.
Existing Nominations in Favor of Trump
Despite the objections raised, Trump has already received formal nominations from several governments. In June, the Pakistani government nominated him for his diplomatic role during a four-day military standoff between Islamabad and New Delhi.
In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a letter to the Nobel Committee endorsing Trump. In August, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also announced his nomination of Trump, citing his efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.
