The Nobel Institute in Norway has firmly stated that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. This declaration comes in response to recent comments made by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who suggested she might consider gifting her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In an official statement, the Institute emphasized that the decision to award the Nobel Prize is “final and not subject to appeal.” This position is grounded in the prize’s regulations, which explicitly prohibit challenges to the selection process. The Institute further clarified that the Nobel committees do not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after they have received the award.
Machado’s comments, made during an interview on Fox News, framed the idea of presenting the prize to Trump as an expression of gratitude from the Venezuelan people, ostensibly for the removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was reportedly apprehended by U.S. forces during a military operation in Caracas last week.
When questioned about whether she had previously offered the prize to Trump, Machado responded, “Well, it hasn’t happened yet.”
Trump, for his part, stated that he would be “honored to accept the prize” should Machado offer it during a meeting reportedly scheduled to take place in Washington next week. He confirmed that he is looking forward to meeting her.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, often linking it to his diplomatic achievements and his claimed ability to have “ended eight wars.” He has also voiced his displeasure at not having received the award in the past, criticizing the selection committee and suggesting that their decision was “very embarrassing for Norway, whether they had a hand in it or not.”
Following the Caracas operation, Trump stated that elections in Venezuela are not a priority at this time and that Machado is “unqualified to lead the country,” claiming she “lacks sufficient support or respect within her own nation.”
