When former President Donald Trump once again failed to snag the Nobel Peace Prize, one of his most outspoken critics couldn’t resist offering a few pointed words of advice.
Musician and activist John Legend took to Instagram over the weekend to share his thoughts — mixing humor, honesty, and a little sarcasm as he told Trump exactly what he’d need to change if he ever hopes to win the prestigious honor.
A Missed Nobel Dream
Trump, now 79 and in his second term, had high hopes of winning the Nobel Peace Prize this year after brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.
But instead, the award went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, recognized for her tireless work defending democracy and human rights.
The result didn’t go unnoticed by John Legend, 46, who had a few candid — and colorful — suggestions for how Trump could improve his chances in 2026.
“Stop Declaring War on the American People”
In a video posted to his nearly 16 million Instagram followers, the All of Me singer addressed the topic head-on.
Captioning his post “Trump for Peace Prize 2026!” with a tongue-in-cheek tone, Legend started by acknowledging Trump’s role in the Middle East peace effort — but quickly pivoted to his critique.
“If he really wants that Peace Prize,” Legend said, “he’d have to stop declaring war on the American people.
Stop sending the military into our cities just because they’re run by Democrats.”
And then, in his typically blunt fashion, he added, “He’d have to stop all this authoritarian dictator stuff — all the fascist, inhumane sh*t he’s been trying to do.”
The Musician’s History with the Nobel Stage
Legend, whose real name is John Roger Stephens, has a personal connection to the Nobel institution — he once performed at the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
Perhaps that experience inspired his message to Trump, which managed to blend critique with a strange sort of encouragement.
“Believe it or not,” he said, “I actually want you to win this. I want this peace prize for you — for all of us.”
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
While Legend didn’t hold back on his criticism, he did acknowledge Trump’s success in helping mediate a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel.
“We all want peace in Gaza and the West Bank,” Legend said.
“And President Trump has been instrumental in bringing about this new peace deal.”
He added, “Let’s pray it lasts. The people of Gaza have suffered enough — if this peace holds, maybe Trump really could get that prize he wants so badly.”
A List of What Needs to Change
But the singer wasn’t done listing Trump’s missteps. Legend rattled off a series of issues he said the president would need to address before being worthy of a Nobel nomination.
“He’d have to stop sending ICE agents in masks to raid immigrant homes.
Stop prosecuting political opponents over flimsy charges. Stop bombing boats in the Caribbean. Stop executing people without proof.”
He went on: “If he wants peace, he has to stop waging war — not just abroad, but at home.”
Legend’s Softer but Sharp Tone
Although the tone of his message was biting, Legend’s video also carried an undercurrent of hope.
“We should all want Donald J. Trump to actually earn a Nobel Peace Prize,” he concluded.
“Because if he did, it would mean the world was genuinely becoming more peaceful.”
For once, the singer’s criticism wasn’t entirely scathing — it was layered with a kind of reluctant optimism.
María Corina Machado’s Surprise Dedication
The day before Legend’s comments, María Corina Machado — this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner — made headlines of her own when she unexpectedly dedicated her award to Donald Trump.
Machado, who leads Venezuela’s opposition movement against President Nicolás Maduro, won for what the Nobel Committee called her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.”
Her victory came as a surprise, especially to those who believed Trump’s recent peace efforts might finally earn him the accolade.
A Controversial Gesture of Gratitude
Shortly after her win, Machado took to X (formerly Twitter), writing: “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause.”
In a follow-up interview on Fox News, she elaborated on that dedication.
Speaking with Rachel Campos-Duffy, Machado praised Trump as a “clear and courageous leader,” crediting his influence for helping push Venezuela “to the threshold of freedom after 26 years of tyranny.”
She went on to highlight Trump’s foreign policy record, claiming that in just a few months, “he’s been involved in solving eight wars” and has been “decisive in dismantling criminal structures” in Venezuela.
A Political Story that Keeps Dividing America
Between Trump’s near miss at the Nobel Peace Prize and Legend’s no-holds-barred video response, the debate over the former president’s legacy continues to polarize America.
For now, John Legend’s message seems clear: peace starts at home — and if Trump truly wants global recognition for it, he’ll have to practice what the Nobel Prize preaches.