American singer John Legend has reacted to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s failed attempt to win the Nobel Peace Prize, after losing the nomination to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Speaking in a video posted on Instagram, the 46-year-old music star offered Trump some sharp but thoughtful advice on what he believes the ex-president must do if he truly wants to earn the honor in the future.
“Stop declaring war on the American people, stop sending the military into our cities simply because they’re run by Democrats,” Legend said.
The All of Me singer, who performed at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2017, said while Trump had played a role in helping broker a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, that alone would not be enough to earn the award.
“We all want to see peace in Gaza, in the West Bank,” he said. “If this peace is really lasting, we just might see Donald Trump get that peace prize he really wants.”
However, Legend went on to list what he called the deeper issues that would need to change for that to happen.
“He’d have to stop all this authoritarian, dictator stuff, all the fascist and inhumane things he’s been trying to do,” Legend said in the clip.
He accused the former president of fueling division at home while trying to present himself as a peacemaker abroad. “The so-called ‘Peace President’ who’s ending wars around the world would also have to stop sending Black Hawk helicopters to terrorize people while they sleep in their apartment buildings,” he added.
Legend also criticized Trump’s immigration policies, saying, “Stop sending masked, unaccountable ICE agents to torment immigrant communities. Stop ordering the prosecution of political opponents on flimsy charges.”
Despite his criticism, the singer ended on a somewhat hopeful note, saying he would love to see Trump truly live up to the ideals of the award.
“Believe it or not, I want you to do this,” he said. “I want this peace prize for you so badly — for us, for all of us.”
His video, captioned “Trump for Peace Prize 2026!”, has since drawn attention online for its mix of sincerity, sarcasm, and social commentary — a trademark tone for the singer who has never shied away from political discussions.
