Former US President Donald Trump has found an unlikely supporter in his bid for global recognition: Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen. In a surprising statement, Hun Sen claimed Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic work in Asia—particularly regarding North Korea.
A Controversial Endorsement
Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades, praised Trump's unconventional approach to foreign policy. "He tried to end wars, not start them," the Cambodian leader said, referencing Trump's summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
However, critics argue Trump's diplomacy yielded few concrete results. While his meetings with Kim were historic, North Korea's nuclear program continued to expand during his presidency.
The Nobel Committee's Dilemma
The Nobel Peace Prize has often been awarded for verifiable achievements in conflict resolution. Trump's supporters point to the Abraham Accords—normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states—as a key accomplishment. Yet detractors highlight his administration's turbulent foreign policy record.
Hun Sen's endorsement raises eyebrows given Cambodia's own democratic backsliding. Some analysts suggest his comments may be an attempt to curry favour with Trump ahead of a potential 2024 White House return.
What's Next?
With Nobel nominations submitted confidentially, it's unclear if Trump has formal backing. The committee receives hundreds of nominations yearly, making the selection process highly competitive. Whether Trump's brand of diplomacy meets Nobel standards remains hotly debated.
