Nobel Institute Rejects Possibility of Transferring Peace Prize from Venezuelan Opposition Leader to Trump
The Norwegian Nobel Institute has firmly clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado cannot be transferred or shared with former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite her expressed wishes to do so. In a definitive statement issued Friday, the institute emphasized that “once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others,” adding that “the decision is final and stands for all time.” This response came after Machado suggested on Fox News’ “Hannity” program that she would like to give or share her prestigious award with Trump, whom she credits with taking decisive action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
The situation unfolded when Machado appeared on “Hannity” and was asked directly whether she had offered to give Trump the Nobel Peace Prize. While acknowledging it “hasn’t happened yet,” she expressed her desire to personally tell Trump that “the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people, certainly want to give it to him and share it with him.” Her comments reflect her deep appreciation for Trump’s January 3 announcement that the U.S. had successfully captured Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking charges in New York. Machado characterized Trump’s intervention as “historic” and “a huge step toward a democratic transition” for Venezuela, a country that has suffered under authoritarian leadership for years.
Trump, when asked during his own subsequent appearance on “Hannity” if he would accept such an offer from Machado, responded that it “would be a great honor.” This exchange highlights the complex dynamics at play in Venezuela’s political crisis and Trump’s involvement in regional affairs. The former president’s administration had taken a strong stance against Maduro’s government, culminating in the January operation that Machado believes fundamentally changed Venezuela’s path forward. Her dedication of her Nobel Prize to Trump came immediately after learning of the award, as she stated, “because I believed at that point that he deserved it.”
The backdrop to this unusual diplomatic situation involves Machado’s dramatic escape from Venezuela last month to travel to Norway to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in person. Her journey out of the country had to be conducted in secret due to the political persecution she faces at home as a leading opposition figure. During her acceptance speech and subsequent appearances, she has consistently credited Trump with achieving what “most people said was impossible” regarding Maduro’s capture. This public appreciation for Trump’s actions represents a significant endorsement from one of Latin America’s most prominent democratic voices, even as the Nobel Institute clarifies that formal sharing of the award is impossible.
The relationship between Trump and Venezuelan politics is more nuanced than it might initially appear. While Machado has been effusive in her praise, Trump has previously stated that she “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country” to lead Venezuela. Instead, reports indicate he has supported acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who served as vice president under Maduro and is considered by many observers to be a loyal supporter of the previous regime. This apparent contradiction between Trump’s actions against Maduro and his statements about Venezuela’s opposition leadership adds another layer of complexity to an already complicated geopolitical situation.
Looking ahead, Trump has announced plans to meet with Machado in Washington next week, potentially offering an opportunity for the two figures to align their views on Venezuela’s future. The situation draws some parallels to previous U.S. interventions in Latin America, though analysts note significant differences from operations like the U.S. raid in Panama. As Venezuela continues its uncertain political transition, the international recognition afforded to Machado through the Nobel Peace Prize gives her an important platform from which to advocate for democratic change, even as the rules governing the award itself remain strict and unchangeable. While she cannot literally share her Nobel with Trump, Machado’s public acknowledgment of his role represents a symbolic sharing of recognition for what she considers a pivotal moment in her country’s struggle for democracy.
