The White House has sharply criticized the Nobel Committee, accusing it of putting politics above peace after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan pro-democracy activist María Corina Machado instead of U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Friday, the Committee announced that Machado had received the prestigious honor for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.
President Trump has openly expressed his ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize, often claiming credit for ending several global conflicts. He also referred to the prize in his speech before the United Nations General Assembly in late September.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the decision proves that the Nobel Committee “places politics above peace,” calling President Trump “a leader who can move mountains through sheer willpower.”
