Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navi Pillay has sparked laughter after joking that she might share her award with US President Donald Trump if the audience continued applauding her.
The 85-year-old South African jurist made the remark on Friday, October 9, 2026, after learning that she had won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and strengthen international law.
Pillay received the news while attending a legal gathering in Nuremberg, Germany. Her colleagues celebrated the announcement with applause and congratulations, prompting her to make the light-hearted comment.
“If you clap a little bit more, I may share this prize with Trump,” she said, drawing laughter from those present.
The remark appeared to reference Trump’s repeated statements that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. The US president has frequently highlighted his claimed role in resolving international conflicts and promoting peace.
Pillay’s award recognizes her long career defending human rights and supporting international justice. She previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014 and held judicial positions at international courts, including the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
She also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The commission concluded in 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a finding Israel strongly rejected.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Pillay dedicated the honour to survivors of international crimes and people working to defend justice. She also emphasized that speaking the truth and applying the law fairly should not require extraordinary courage.
Her humorous comment quickly attracted attention, combining a moment of celebration with a pointed reference to Trump’s longstanding interest in receiving the prestigious international award.
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is scheduled to take place in Oslo, Norway, on December 10.
