Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Trump Claims Credit for Nobel Prize in Physics, Faces Criticism
Some scientists won a very important award, the Nobel Prize, for their work with super-tiny things called quantum mechanics.
This science helps make new kinds of super-fast computers.
The President, Donald Trump, said he should get some credit because his government also focused on new technologies like these.
But many people thought this was not right.
One scientist who won said it's funny to take credit for work done a long time ago.
Another person, the Governor of California, said Trump's claim was 'pathetic.'
Even though Trump said his government helped, the work was actually done many years before he was president.
Three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in quantum mechanics, which aids quantum computing.
President Donald Trump claimed he deserved credit for the award, linking it to his administration's focus on technologies like quantum computing, AI, and Fusion.
Trump made his claim on the social media platform Truth Social, sharing a message from his Energy Secretary.
His assertion was met with swift criticism, with California Governor Gavin Newsom calling the claim 'pathetic'.
Nobel laureate John Martinis humorously suggested crediting Ronald Reagan, noting the work was done in 1985.
- Who
- Donald Trump, John Clarke, Michel Devoret, John Martinis, Chris Wright, Gavin Newsom
- What
- Donald Trump claimed credit for the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to three scientists, citing his administration's focus on advanced technologies. This claim drew criticism, with one Nobel laureate humorously suggesting crediting Ronald Reagan.
- When
- October 30
- Where
- USA (Trump's claim via Truth Social; criticism via X)
- Why
- Trump suggested his administration's focus on quantum computing, AI, and Fusion was directly linked to the Nobel Prize win.
Trump's Claim of Credit
Criticism of Trump's Claim
Justification for Credit
Trump's Claim of Credit
The Nobel Prize win is tied to his administration's focus on signature science efforts like Quantum computing, AI, and Fusion.
Criticism of Trump's Claim
The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for work done in 1985, long before Trump's presidency, and is therefore not attributable to his administration.
Attribution of Achievement
Trump's Claim of Credit
The scientific breakthrough is a direct result of policies and initiatives championed during his presidency.
Criticism of Trump's Claim
The achievement belongs solely to the scientists whose pioneering experiments laid the groundwork for quantum computing, with one laureate humorously suggesting crediting Ronald Reagan.
- Nobel Prize in Physics Winners
- John Clarke, Michel Devoret, John Martinis
- Awarded For
- Pioneering experiments in quantum mechanics, foundational for modern quantum computing
- Trump's Claim Basis
- Assertion that his administration's focus on quantum computing, AI, and fusion are linked to the win
- Criticism
- Accused of claiming credit for work done decades prior; described as 'pathetic'
- Scientist's Response
- John Martinis humorously suggested crediting Ronald Reagan, but acknowledged some support for quantum computing during Trump's term.
