Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has accepted a Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, sparking celebrations in Washington and condemnation in Norway.
Machado, reportedly sidelined in Washington’s strategy regarding Venezuela, presented the medal to Trump during a meeting at the White House on Thursday. She stated she was awarding Trump the medal in recognition of his commitment to their freedom, following the U.S.-backed ousting of Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. While Maduro was removed from power on January 3rd, his political system remains.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Norway, the home of the Nobel Peace Prize. Former Norwegian Finance Minister and current leader of the Centre Party, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that Trump’s acceptance of the medal reveals much about his character. “He is a classic show-off, seeking to parade with the achievements and awards of others,” Vedum stated.
Left Socialist leader Kirsti Bergstø described the gesture as “completely absurd and meaningless” in a separate interview with NRK. Raymond Johansen, former Mayor of Oslo from the ruling Labour Party, expressed his dismay on Facebook, calling it “deeply embarrassing and damaging to one of the world’s most important and prestigious prizes.”
Johansen further warned that the award’s politicization could legitimize developments that undermine the very essence of the Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee issued a statement last week clarifying that the prize “cannot be shared or transferred.” The committee views the situation as another blemish on the reputation of the Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting its increasing politicization.
