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| Macron challenges Trump on Gaza peace efforts. |
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that US President Donald Trump can only win the Nobel Peace Prize if he uses American influence to stop the war in Gaza . Macron's comments, made during an interview in New York, highlight the unique power Washington holds due to its military support for Israel .
Speaking to France's BFM TV on September 23, Macron said the responsibility to end the conflict rests primarily with the American leader . He pointed to US military aid as the key reason for this influence. “We do not supply equipment that allows war to be waged in Gaza. The United States of America does,” Macron explained . He described Trump as an involved president who wants the prize, but made the award dependent on achieving peace .
Macron's condition came just hours after Trump delivered a speech to the United Nations General Assembly. In his address, Trump rejected Western moves to recognize a Palestinian state, calling such a move a reward for Hamas militants . He also called for an immediate end to the war and for peace talks to begin . These statements form the backdrop for Macron's public challenge to the US president .
President Trump has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize by several nations, including Israel, Pakistan, and Cambodia . These nominations cite his work in brokering ceasefires and managing regional disputes . Trump has himself referenced the award, noting that four of his predecessors have received it .
The Nobel Peace Prize process is secretive. The Norwegian Nobel Committee does not confirm nominees publicly . For the 2025 prize, there are 338 total candidates . The winner will be announced in October .
The White House pushed back against the framing of Macron's comments. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said, “President Trump has done more for peace than everyone present at the United Nations combined” . She credited the president's policies with making America strong again and promoting global stability .
Macron's remarks also touched on the situation in Israel. He said that Israel “no longer has a plan” and risks condemning its people to “perpetual war” if its project is to destroy its neighbor . He expressed hope that international efforts increase pressure on the Israeli government .
The French president's call for US action comes amid a wider diplomatic shift. A growing number of countries, including several European nations, have recently recognized the state of Palestine . This move highlights the increasing international focus on finding a political solution to the long-running conflict.
Macron has recently been involved in other major peace efforts. Earlier this year, he discussed a potential truce in the war in Ukraine following talks with Trump at the White House . He emphasized that any peace deal must not be a surrender for Ukraine and must include strong security guarantees . In April, Macron hosted high-level ceasefire talks in Paris with US, European, and Ukrainian officials .
The Nobel Committee's selection process involves creating a shortlist of candidates for deeper review . The final choice is made by early October . The statutes of the Nobel Foundation forbid disclosing any information about nominations for 50 years . This means public discussions about potential winners remain speculative.
By linking the prestigious award directly to concrete action in Gaza, Macron has raised the political stakes. He has placed the focus squarely on American power and responsibility in one of the world's most difficult conflicts . The outcome now depends on diplomatic efforts in the coming weeks and months.