Nobel Peace Prize Controversy: María Corina Machado's Offer to Donald Trump

The Norwegian Nobel Institute has firmly stated that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked after it has been awarded. This clarification follows remarks by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who suggested during a Fox News interview that she might offer her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump as an expression of gratitude for the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The Nobel Institute emphasized that "once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others," asserting that the decision is final and permanent.

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In her interview with Sean Hannity, Machado expressed her desire to share the Nobel Prize with Trump, stating, “It hasn’t happened yet, but I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe the Venezuelan people... certainly want to give it to him and share it with him.” Machado's comments were framed as a gesture of appreciation for Trump's role in the political upheaval in Venezuela, particularly following Maduro's arrest.

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Trump responded positively to Machado's remarks, indicating he would accept the Nobel Peace Prize if offered. He described the potential award as a "great honor" and reiterated his belief that he deserved a Nobel Prize for his diplomatic efforts, claiming to have halted multiple global conflicts. However, he has also publicly questioned Machado's capability to lead Venezuela, suggesting that she lacks the necessary support within the country.

Latin TimesTrump says he would accept Nobel Peace Prize from Machado, committee says it cannot be transferredTrump Says He’d Accept Nobel Peace Prize from Machado; Committee Rules It Out – 9 January 2026WIONReutersSnopesTrump said he would accept the Nobel Peace Prize from Machado: the Committee reactedThe Hindu

Critics have pointed out that Machado's offer to share the Nobel Prize may have complicated her political standing, particularly with Trump, who has reportedly become less supportive of her candidacy for the presidency of Venezuela since she accepted the award. Some insiders have suggested that her acceptance of the Nobel Prize was perceived by Trump as an "ultimate sin," implying that had she declined the honor, she might have secured greater backing from him.

Latin Times

The Norwegian Nobel Institute reiterated that while laureates can choose how to manage their prize money, the honor itself remains with the awarded individual. Erik Aasheim, a spokesperson for the Institute, stated, “A Nobel Prize cannot be revoked nor transferred to others. Once the laureate or laureates are announced, the decision is final.”

Snopes

Machado is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington next week, a meeting that comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The political landscape remains fluid, with U.S. officials currently favoring interim leader Delcy Rodríguez over Machado for future leadership in Venezuela.

Snopes

• “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others,” — Norwegian Nobel Institute

Reuters

• “because this is the prize of the Venezuelan people, certainly we want to give it to him and share it with him.” — María Corina Machado

Latin Times

• “that would be a great honor.” — Donald Trump on accepting the Nobel Prize from Machado

Trump says he would accept Nobel Peace Prize from Machado, committee says it cannot be transferred

This situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the symbolic weight of the Nobel Peace Prize, particularly in the context of Venezuelan politics.

WION