Republican congressman sends letter nominating Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

The letter, written by Rep. Luke Messer, said North Korea has long ignored the demands of the international community, but Trump's "peace through strength" policy has paid off. The Trump administration has worked with China and other countries to tighten pressure on Pyongyang, according toAP.

“Sanctions have severely affected the North Korean economy and forced Pyongyang to the negotiating table,” the nomination letter said, signed by 18 Republican lawmakers and sent to the Nobel Committee in Norway on May 2.

Messer is running for a Senate seat in Indiana. The lawmakers who signed the letter are among the most conservative in the House, including several who are also running for governor or senator.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said earlier this week that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump also expressed satisfaction when supporters in Michigan chanted "Nobel" when he spoke about North Korea.

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are working out the details of a summit scheduled for late May or early June. But it is uncertain whether the two sides will reach an agreement that would see North Korea completely give up its nuclear weapons and allow international verification. The US has previously reached an aid deal with North Korea to help Pyongyang disarm, but that ultimately failed.