Nobel Committee Rules: Medal Gift to Trump Changes Nothing

A fresh controversy erupted after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed over her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, triggering widespread criticism and prompting a swift clarification from the Nobel Committee.

Machado described the gesture as a symbolic act, calling it a “recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom.” Speaking later to Fox News, she said Trump “deserves it” and described the moment as deeply emotional. The exchange quickly drew global attention, with critics questioning both the intent and the propriety of the act.

President Trump later acknowledged the gesture in a social media post, stating that Machado had left the medal with him to keep. He described it as a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect” and reiterated claims that his actions to halt multiple international conflicts merited recognition. Trump has previously voiced frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite repeatedly asserting that he played a role in stopping several wars.

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The episode sparked sharp reactions online and across political circles, with commentators labeling the incident “unbelievably embarrassing” and accusing both leaders of undermining the credibility of the Nobel Peace Prize. Critics argued that the move appeared to politicize one of the world’s most prestigious international honors.

In response, the Norwegian Nobel Institute and the Nobel Committee issued a clear clarification, stating that once awarded, a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, reassigned, or symbolically handed over to another individual. The committee emphasized that such actions carry no legal or symbolic standing under Nobel rules.

The clarification sought to contain the controversy, reaffirming the independence and integrity of the Nobel institution amid growing debate. While the medal exchange has no official consequence, analysts say the incident highlights how global awards can become flashpoints in politically charged environments.

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