Minneapolis Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

The city and its residents have been recognized for their commitment to human rights and democracy.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The editors of The Nation magazine have announced plans to nominate the city of Minneapolis and its people for the Nobel Peace Prize. The publication praised the city's elected leaders and residents for demonstrating an "extraordinary and sustained commitment to human dignity and to the protection of vulnerable communities" through "countless acts of courage and solidarity" that have "challenged the culture of fear, hate, and brutality" in the United States.

Why it matters

If awarded, Minneapolis would be the first municipality to receive the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in its 125-year history. The nomination recognizes the city's moral leadership and nonviolent resistance in the face of growing authoritarianism and intolerance.

The details

The Nation magazine, which has Nobel laureates on its editorial board, described Minneapolis residents and leaders as having "exemplified the desire for democracy and equality and the celebration of difference." The publication believes the city's actions "merit recognition through the award of the Nobel Peace Prize." In contrast, former President Donald Trump had lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize last year, but lost to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Machado.

  • The Nation magazine announced the planned nomination on January 30, 2026.

The players

The Nation

A prominent political magazine with Nobel laureates on its editorial board, which is qualified to submit nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who had lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize last year, but lost to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Machado.

Maria Machado

The Venezuelan opposition leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, denying it to Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“They have exemplified the desire for democracy and equality and the celebration of difference. The moral leadership of the people and city of Minneapolis has set an example for those struggling against fascism everywhere on the face of a troubled planet, and this, we believe, merits recognition through the award of the Nobel Peace Prize.”

— The Nation, Editorial Board (The Nation)

What’s next

The Nobel Committee will review The Nation's nomination and make a decision on whether to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the city of Minneapolis and its residents.

The takeaway

The nomination of Minneapolis for the Nobel Peace Prize is a recognition of the city's commitment to human rights, democracy, and nonviolent resistance in the face of growing authoritarianism. If awarded, it would be a historic first for a municipality, setting an example for other communities struggling against intolerance and injustice.