Pelosi: Trump Might Qualify for Nobel Peace Prize; ‘Let’s See How It Goes’

WASHINGTON – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said President Trump could qualify for the Nobel Peace Prize depending on the outcome of ongoing negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Kim and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in met on Friday, which marked the first meeting between the leaders of the two countries in more than 10 years.

During Trump’s campaign-style rally in Washington, Mich., on Saturday, the crowd chanted “Nobel” when Trump mentioned North Korea.

Pelosi was asked for her response to some columnists who have argued that Trump could qualify for the Nobel Peace Prize if North Korea agrees to denuclearization.

“We’re a long way from that, but let’s see. There’s always an opportunity for a president of the United States to qualify. Let’s see how it goes,” Pelosi told PJM on the red carpet at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening.

South Korean officials quoted Kim saying, “If we meet often and build trust with the United States, and if an end to the war and nonaggression are promised, why would we live in difficulty with nuclear weapons?”

Pelosi suggested that South Korea and the U.S. government proceed with caution in any negotiations with Kim. Trump has agreed to meet with him in person.

“Talk, talk, talk is a good idea. I’d be highly careful about the word of the North Korean president, but always hopeful,” she said. “Talking is better than fighting.”

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) said Friday that Trump’s Twitter “feuds” and “bullying” of Kim might have “encouraged” him to enter into peace talks with South Korea. PJM asked Pelosi if she agreed.

“I don’t know. I just don’t know. We’d have to ask Kim Jong-un,” Pelosi said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told PJM that Trump set the “climate” for the Friday meeting between Kim and Moon after other unsuccessful attempts by past presidents.

“The president is spectacularly pleased with the type of progress and the rate of progress that has happened in such short order,” she said at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“I mean, to think that many different presidents have tried and have promised to bring peace to that area… and it’s this president who set that climate successfully for North Korea and South Korea to talk and to talk about putting an end to war after decades and decades of that,” she added.