Nobel Institute Denies Venezuelan Leader’s Proposal to Share Peace Prize with Trump
OSLO, Norway — The Norwegian Nobel Institute firmly rejected recent suggestions by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado that she could transfer or share her Nobel Peace Prize with former President Donald Trump. The institute issued a clear statement Friday, emphasizing that once a Nobel Prize is awarded, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others, underscoring the finality of the committee’s decisions.
Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2025 for her efforts to promote democracy in Venezuela, sparked controversy earlier this week during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.” She floated the idea of honoring Trump by sharing the prize, citing his role in the January 3rd operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, a long-standing authoritarian figure, is now facing drug trafficking charges in New York following the high-profile U.S. operation.
“I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to give it to him and share it with him,” Machado said on air. “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition.”
However, the Nobel Institute clarified that the prize’s regulations do not allow for such transfers. “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others,” the institute said in its statement. “The decision is final and stands for all time.” This statement put an end to speculation about any possible official recognition of Trump by the Nobel committee.
Trump himself responded to Machado’s comments during a subsequent interview on “Hannity,” acknowledging he had heard about the suggestion and calling it “a great honor.” The former president’s involvement in the operation against Maduro has drawn comparisons to past U.S. interventions in Latin America, though experts note significant differences in context and execution.
Machado’s journey to receiving the Nobel Prize was marked by high drama. She secretly fled Venezuela last month amid escalating political tensions and traveled to Norway to accept the award. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the prize to Trump, crediting him for what she described as a historic achievement in advancing Venezuelan democracy.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro was a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations and drew reactions from various international bodies. The United Nations expressed concern over the operation, while U.S. officials highlighted its alignment with ongoing efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. For more details on the U.S. government’s actions and policies related to Venezuela, see the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
Machado’s suggestion to share the Nobel Peace Prize with Trump has reignited debates about the role of international awards in political conflicts and the limits of symbolic gestures. The Nobel Institute’s firm stance underscores the strict rules governing the prize, which has been awarded since 1901 to individuals and organizations deemed to have made outstanding contributions to peace.
For more on the Nobel Peace Prize and its regulations, visit the official Nobel Prize website. Coverage of the Venezuelan political crisis and related U.S. operations can be found through the Central Intelligence Agency and other official agencies.
As Venezuela continues to navigate its political transition, the international community watches closely. Machado’s outspoken leadership and the U.S. intervention mark pivotal moments in the ongoing struggle for democracy in the region.
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