The Norwegian Nobel Institute stated that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. This clarification followed remarks by Venezuelan opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado, who suggested she might give her 2025 award to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Nobel Foundation Rules
The institute emphasized that the decision to award a Nobel Prize is final and permanent, citing the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, which do not allow appeals. The organization also highlighted that prize committees do not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after awards are received. The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute jointly affirmed: "Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time."
Machado's Comments
Machado, who has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, indicated in an interview with Fox News that presenting the prize to Trump would be an act of gratitude from the Venezuelan people. She linked this potential gesture to the removal of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's president, who was abducted by the United States last week. This action was widely considered illegal by international law experts. When questioned about offering the prize to Trump, Machado responded, "Well, it hasn't happened yet."
Trump's Reaction
Donald Trump stated he would be honored to accept the prize if offered by Machado during a planned meeting in Washington.
Machado's Political Context
Machado, a former national assembly member, was barred by authorities aligned with Maduro from running in Venezuela’s 2024 general election. She subsequently supported a stand-in candidate. Independent observers reported irregularities in the official election results, despite Maduro claiming victory.