By Andy Vermaut
Donald Trump remains a polarizing figure, but his contributions to global peace merit recognition. His leadership, marked by resolve and pragmatism, delivered historic breakthroughs. From brokering Middle East agreements to avoiding new wars, his legacy demands reassessment. On 9 April 2025, his vision continued to resonate in a divided era.
A Breakthrough in the Middle East.
In September 2020, Trump facilitated the Abraham Accords, uniting Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. This landmark agreement opened embassies and trade routes, fostering cooperation without military action. Unlike the 1978 Camp David Accords, it spanned multiple nations, reshaping regional dynamics with practical collaboration.
Peace Through Strength
From 2017 to 2021, Trump kept the U.S. out of new conflicts—a rare feat. Unlike predecessors’ invasions in Iraq, interventions in Libya, or escalations in Yemen, he used economic sanctions and strategic military presence. Tough measures on Iran spurred negotiations, while his 2018 Singapore meeting with Kim Jong-un marked a historic first for a U.S. president. These calculated steps prioritized global safety over rhetoric.
A Bold Vision for Gaza
Trump’s recent proposal to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” has sparked debate. Far from provocation, it envisions a prosperous hub of trade and tourism, breaking the cycle of conflict. While firmly supporting Israel, he advocates economic growth to benefit all parties. If realized, this could become a global model for peace through shared prosperity.
Rewriting Global Tensions.
Trump’s controversial decisions—recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017, affirming the Golan Heights as Israeli territory in 2019, and backing Morocco’s Western Sahara claim in 2020—reduced regional unrest. Despite a 2025 U.S. court conviction, his record contrasts with predecessors who left chaos behind.
Challenging the Status Quo.
Trump’s rhetoric on migration, Iran, or climate drew criticism, but his policies protected national interests. Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 emphasized sovereignty. Meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin stabilized relations without conflict. His approach favored tangible outcomes over diplomatic niceties.
A Legacy Beyond the Prize.
The Nobel Peace Prize often honors cautious leaders. True peace, however, requires boldness. Trump’s first term saw no new wars—a rare achievement since World War II. His accords transformed the Middle East; his Gaza vision imagines a future without strife. A leader of action, not promises, he reshaped a fractured world. If the Nobel rewards courage and impact, Trump’s name belongs among its laureates.
