The Norwegian Nobel Institute has firmly rejected proposals suggesting that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado might share her Nobel Peace Prize with former President Donald Trump. The institute’s response came on January 5, 2024, shortly after Machado made comments indicating her willingness to transfer the award to Trump during a televised interview.
In a statement, the Nobel Institute clarified, “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time.” This announcement aligns with the institute’s long-standing policy regarding the prestigious award.
The controversy emerged when Machado appeared on Fox News’ “Hannity” on January 2, where she expressed her admiration for Trump’s role in Venezuelan politics. When asked by host Sean Hannity if she had offered to share the Nobel Prize with Trump, Machado suggested that she would like to personally convey the Venezuelan people’s desire to recognize his contributions. She stated, “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition.”
Machado’s comments followed Trump’s announcement that the United States had successfully executed an operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president facing drug trafficking charges in New York. During the same Fox News segment, Trump acknowledged Machado’s remarks, stating, “I’ve heard that she wants to do that. That would be a great honor.”
The award was dedicated to Trump by Machado after she secretly escaped Venezuela to receive it in Norway. She emphasized her belief that the award represented the aspirations of the Venezuelan people: “As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed at that point that he deserved it,” Machado explained.
Despite her accolades, Trump has previously questioned Machado’s leadership capabilities within Venezuela, stating that she “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.” He has shown support for Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s loyalist and former vice president, complicating the political landscape further.
Machado is set to meet with Trump in Washington next week, where discussions surrounding Venezuela’s future are expected to take center stage. The situation remains fluid, and the international community continues to watch closely as the dynamics within Venezuela evolve.
The Nobel Institute’s clarification has drawn attention to the complexities of political acknowledgment and the significance of the Nobel Peace Prize, a symbol of peace awarded to those who have made substantial contributions to humanity.
