The Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.
The statement followed comments by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who suggested she might give her 2025 award to U.S. President Donald Trump.
In its release, the institute cited the statutes of the Nobel Foundation and stressed the permanence of every award once announced.
“Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Nobel Institute said.
The clarification came after Machado appeared on Fox News earlier in the week. She spoke about presenting the prize to Trump as a gesture of gratitude for U.S. actions in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro last week.
Asked by host Sean Hannity if she had indeed offered to give the prize to Trump, Machado replied: “Well, it hasn’t happened yet.”
Trump, who has previously expressed interest in winning the Nobel Peace Prize, responded in a separate appearance on the same program. “It would be a great honor,” he said, adding that he expected to meet Machado in Washington next week.
Machado’s Political Struggles
Machado, a former National Assembly member, won the Venezuelan opposition primary in 2023 but was barred from contesting the 2024 general election.
She backed a stand-in candidate widely believed to have won, despite Maduro declaring himself the victor. Independent observers later reported irregularities in the official results.
As Maduro intensified his crackdown on opposition figures and protesters, Machado went into hiding for more than a year. She later resurfaced in Norway, where her daughter accepted the Peace Prize on her behalf.
At the time, the Nobel Committee praised Machado as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times,” citing her “tireless” efforts to promote democratic change.
Machado has said she intends to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible.” Trump, however, claimed she does not have enough support or respect to lead the country.
Washington has instead backed Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s longtime ally and vice president, as acting president. U.S. officials have stated that the United States will “run” Venezuela for the foreseeable future.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
