White House Insists Trump Deserves Nobel After Machado Hands Over Her Peace Prize Medal

The White House has said that former US President Donald Trump “rightfully deserves” the Nobel Peace Prize, following a symbolic gesture by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who handed Trump her Nobel medal during a meeting last week.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the Nobel Committee must acknowledge Trump’s “unprecedented accomplishments”, even if formal rules prevent the transfer of the prize. His remarks came after the Nobel Foundation clarified that the Peace Prize cannot be transferred, even symbolically.

Machado, who was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize last year, presented Trump with her 18-carat gold medal during their meeting. The White House later released a photograph showing Trump holding a large gold-coloured frame displaying the medal, underlining the symbolic nature of the gesture.

Also Read: Trump Accepts Nobel From Machado: "Nobody Deserves This Prize More Than Me"

A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal, describing it as a sign of recognition for what the administration sees as his contributions to global peace efforts. The gesture has since sparked debate over the political messaging surrounding the Nobel Prize.

Cheung criticised the Nobel Foundation’s stance, arguing that its refusal to recognise Trump, even symbolically, undermines the significance of his diplomatic initiatives. He said Trump’s role in reshaping international negotiations and security discussions deserved global acknowledgement.

The Nobel Foundation has maintained that its rules are strict and do not allow for the reassignment or symbolic transfer of the prize. Despite this, the episode has reignited discussions about Trump’s legacy on the world stage and the broader politics surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize.

Also Read: Trump Accepts Nobel From Machado: "Nobody Deserves This Prize More Than Me"