Nobel Peace Center responds uncommonly after Venezuelan opposition leader presents her Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump.

The Nobel Peace Center responded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado's public gesture of giving her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump. Machado, awarded the prize in 2025 for her defense of democratic rights in Venezuela, met with Trump at the White House and presented him with the medal, citing his commitment to freedom.

After Trump accepted the medal in a symbolic gesture of respect, photos circulated showing him holding it in the Oval Office. Machado confirmed she had transferred the prize to Trump formally. Trump expressed gratitude for the honor and praised Machado's courage and dedication.

Nobel Peace Center's Clarification

The Nobel Peace Center clarified that while the physical medal can change hands, the official status of being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot. Once the Nobel Committee announces a winner, that decision is final and cannot be transferred, revoked, or shared, regardless of possession of the medal.

Historically, some Nobel Peace Prize medals have been exchanged for symbolic or charitable reasons, with the title of laureate always remaining with the original recipient. Machado had dedicated her prize to Trump, believing his actions signified a milestone for justice, freedom, and human dignity globally.

The Nobel Committee reiterated that legally and officially, the Nobel Peace Prize is forever linked to the original awardee, despite any gestures or physical transfers of the medal.