Nobel Committee Says Peace Prize Is Non-Transferable After Machado Presents Medal to Trump
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has clarified that Nobel Peace Prize medals cannot be transferred, following claims that Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado presented her medal to former US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on Thursday outside the US Capitol, Machado said she had “presented” her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump during a White House lunch, describing it as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. AFP quoted Machado as saying the act was meant to recognise Trump’s role in supporting what she called Venezuela’s fight for freedom.
“I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado said, adding that it was “recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”
Trump Confirms Gesture on Social Media
Trump later confirmed the meeting on his TRUTH Social platform, thanking Machado for what he described as a meaningful gesture.
“It was my Great Honor to meet María Corina Machado of Venezuela today,” Trump wrote. “María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”
However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee reiterated that Nobel prizes are awarded to individuals and cannot be officially transferred or reassigned.
Political Context Behind the Gesture
Machado’s move comes amid strained relations between the Venezuelan opposition and Washington. Trump has previously expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming his efforts to stop multiple global conflicts were overlooked.
Despite longstanding opposition to former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, Trump has recently distanced himself from Machado. Instead, he has engaged with Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, reportedly prioritising stability and continued access to Venezuela’s oil resources.
Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year after fleeing Venezuela and collecting the award in Oslo, has argued that Maduro’s government stole the 2024 election from opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia—claims supported by US officials.
US–Venezuela Relations Remain Tense
Trump and Rodríguez reportedly held their first phone call this week, with the White House stating that Trump “likes what he’s seeing” from Venezuela’s interim leadership. Rodríguez, however, said her government was “not afraid” of diplomatic confrontation with Washington.
Meanwhile, US forces have seized a sixth oil tanker as part of efforts to control Venezuela’s energy exports. A US-brokered sale of Venezuelan oil worth approximately $500 million has also been finalised, according to a US official.
Washington has welcomed the release of dozens of political prisoners in recent days, though hundreds remain detained.
Focus on Democratic Transition
Machado’s White House meeting was seen by supporters as an attempt to refocus attention on democratic reform in Venezuela. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Machado as a “remarkable and brave voice” and said Trump remains committed to seeing elections in Venezuela in the future, though no timeline was provided.
As geopolitical tensions continue to ripple across the region, Machado’s symbolic gesture has sparked debate—but Nobel officials remain firm that the Peace Prize belongs solely to its original recipient.
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