Overview

• The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her pro‑democracy activism despite threats and exile pressures, calling her a unifying figure against Nicolás Maduro’s rule.
• Officials and outlets reporting on the process note nominations closed on January 31 and the committee finalized its choice before the recent Gaza ceasefire, foreclosing a 2025 award for President Trump.
• The White House condemned the decision, with spokesman Steven Cheung saying the committee places politics over peace while asserting Trump will continue brokering deals and saving lives.
• John Legend said he would back Trump for the 2026 Nobel only if he changes course, urging an end to ICE raids, withdrawal of the National Guard from cities, and a halt to missile strikes and other hard‑line policies.
• Rep. Claudia Tenney reaffirmed she has nominated Trump twice and proposed a new Trump Peace and Prosperity Award, as commentary across outlets debated the prize’s criteria and at least one widely shared satire piece was flagged as not factual.