Nobel Institute Rejects Machado’s Peace Prize Offer to Trump

The Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado cannot transfer the Nobel Peace Prize she recently received to Donald Trump. The Institute emphasized in a statement issued last week that once the Peace Prize is awarded, it is irrevocable and cannot be shared or given away. “The decision is final and stands for all time,” the statement read.

This declaration follows Machado’s comments suggesting she would like to share the prize with Trump, who has been involved in U.S. interventions in Venezuela aimed at removing President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro is currently facing drug trafficking charges in New York. In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday, Machado expressed her desire to acknowledge Trump’s role in supporting efforts for democratic transition in Venezuela. “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition,” she stated.

Machado dedicated her Nobel Prize to Trump and the Venezuelan people shortly after the announcement. Trump has publicly expressed his ambition to win the Nobel Prize, particularly since his return to the political spotlight. Despite Machado’s enthusiasm, Trump has not backed her as the leader of Venezuela if Maduro were to be ousted. Instead, he has shown support for acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro. Trump has described Machado as a “very nice woman” but suggested she lacks the necessary support within Venezuela to govern effectively.

Independent observers noted that Machado’s party’s candidate, barred from running herself, was perceived to have overwhelmingly defeated Maduro in the contested 2024 election, a result that Maduro has refused to accept. During his appearance on Hannity’s show, Trump mentioned Machado’s upcoming visit, referring to the potential Peace Prize offering as a “great honor.”

As the political landscape in Venezuela continues to evolve, the implications of Machado’s remarks and the Nobel Institute’s response highlight the complexities surrounding international diplomacy and support for opposition leaders. A representative for Machado did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on the matter.