Trump's Bold Claim: Stopping Eight Wars Faces Reality Check
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly made a striking assertion. He says he stopped eight wars during his second term in office. This claim has become a central part of his political narrative. In a recent message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump wrote something revealing. He stated, "I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace" since Norway "decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS."
Last year, the US Department of State even labeled Trump "The President of Peace." They credited him with stopping "eight wars in eight months." But which conflicts does Trump specifically point to? And how do these claims hold up under examination?
The Eight Conflicts Trump Claims to Have Halted
Trump has consistently listed the same set of international disputes. He says his administration brought these to an end. The claimed conflicts are:
- The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia
- Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia
- The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) involving Rwanda
- Hostilities between India and Pakistan
- Rising tensions between Israel and Iran
- The standoff between Egypt and Ethiopia
- The long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
- The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza
Analysts Question the Validity of the Claims
Foreign policy experts and observers have raised serious doubts. They note that several of these situations were brief clashes, not full-scale wars. Others remain active, violent conflicts to this day. The Associated Press reported that Trump's assertion of ending eight wars this year appears exaggerated.
For instance, the war between Israel and Hamas continues in Gaza. There have been periodic ceasefires and hostage deals, but no permanent resolution. In December, a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted that far more work remains before declaring an end to that war.
Fresh fighting erupted last year between Thailand and Cambodia. Conflict also flared again between Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed rebels. One dispute Trump claims to have ended was never technically a war at all.
A Closer Look at Each Claimed Conflict
Israel and Hamas: The war in Gaza persists with no final peace agreement in sight.
Israel and Iran: In June last year, Israel attacked Iran's nuclear sites. Trump later negotiated a ceasefire after US strikes. A senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council called this a "temporary respite" from an ongoing "day-to-day cold war."
Egypt and Ethiopia: Mediation efforts have stalled. The situation is best described as heightened tensions, not an active war. Trump tried to broker a deal during his first term but failed to secure an agreement.
India and Pakistan: The Indian government has strongly disputed Trump's claim. India stated there was no US-India conversation regarding a ceasefire during a seven-day conflict in May. They emphasized it was not a "full-blown war."
Serbia and Kosovo: The White House lists this as a resolved conflict. However, the Associated Press reported no real threat of war existed during Trump's second term. They also noted no significant contribution from him this year to improve relations.
Rwanda and Congo: Trump played a role in peace efforts, but he was not alone. The conflict is far from over. A peace deal was signed at the White House in June, and presidents signed another in December with Trump present. Yet, the M23 rebel group said it would not abide by an agreement that excluded them. Days later, rebels seized another city in eastern Congo.
Armenia and Azerbaijan: Trump hosted leaders at the White House in August. They signed a deal aimed at ending decades of conflict. The agreement focused on reopening transportation routes and committing to a peace treaty. Foreign ministers initialed the text, indicating preliminary approval. However, leaders have not yet signed the final treaty, and parliaments have not ratified it.
Cambodia and Thailand: Under Trump's pressure, the countries agreed to a ceasefire during a brief border conflict last summer. Fighting flared again. A more detailed agreement followed in October, again under US pressure. Yet heavy fighting broke out in early December. A new ceasefire was signed on December 27.
The Broader Context and Unfulfilled Promises
Trump began his second term last January with a bold promise. He said he would end Russia's war on Ukraine within a single day. That conflict continues despite repeated US-brokered peace talks. This highlights the gap between ambitious claims and complex geopolitical realities.
The narrative of stopping eight wars serves a political purpose. It reinforces an image of a dealmaker president achieving tangible foreign policy wins. However, a detailed examination reveals a more nuanced picture. Some engagements led to temporary calm. Others involved US diplomatic pressure. Several conflicts remain unresolved or have reignited.
International diplomacy is often messy and incremental. Lasting peace requires sustained effort from all parties involved. Trump's claims, while politically potent, face significant scrutiny from analysts who track these conflicts closely. The reality on the ground frequently contradicts the sweeping assertions of conflict resolution.
