Nobel Peace winner Navi Pillay jokes about sharing prize with Trump
Trump insisted no one deserves the Nobel Peace Prize more than him, citing his role in ending conflicts
South Africa's Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of promoting “peace and international law.”
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded this prestigious award to the former ICC judge for her commendable works ranging from early activism such as defending Nelson Mandela against apartheid forces, pioneering the landmark legal precedent regarding rape, holding politicians accountable and bring hope to the victims in this conflict ridden world.
Pillay was applauded by colleagues as she gave her first public reaction to her Nobel Peace Prize win and joked about sharing the prize with Trump.
Her colleagues clapped for her for a long duration. Responding to the applause, Pillay quipped, “If you clap a little bit more I may share this prize with Trump.” And the audience broke into laughter.
Pillay only learned the news after the announcement because the Nobel committee was unable to reach her. Once she heard about it, her reaction was “is it true?”
When it comes to the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump also vouched for this prestigious award. Trump insisted no one deserves the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize more than him, citing his role in ending eight wars, securing hostages, and blocking Iran's nuclear path.
However, no response has yet come from the White House. Last year when Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the award, she presented it with President Donald Trump as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for US intervention and support. However, the Nobel Committee clarified that the honour itself cannot officially be transferred, shared, or revoked.
