Nobel Committee Says Prize Not Transferable

Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado said Thursday that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the Nobel Committee stressing that the award itself cannot be transferred.

“I presented the President of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado told reporters at the Capitol following her meeting with Trump and later with lawmakers. She said the gesture was meant to recognize Trump’s “unique commitment with our freedom.”

Nobel Committee Clarifies: Prize Cannot Be Transferred

The Nobel Peace Center reaffirmed that Nobel medals cannot be shared or transferred. In a statement on X, it wrote:

“Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time.”

It added that while the physical medal may change owners, the title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.

Last week, the Norwegian Nobel Committee also reiterated that point, noting that the rules governing the Nobel Prize are “clear and well established.”

Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and advocating for a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule.

’Great Honor’ to Meet Machado

Machado, who had been in hiding since Venezuela’s disputed 2024 elections, had urged international intervention against President Nicolás Maduro, who on Jan. 3 was seized by U.S. forces and brought to New York to face charges. In 2018, she appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “expertise and influence” on Venezuela.

Although Trump has long suggested he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado received the honor “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.”

After Thursday’s meeting, Trump wrote on Truth Social that it was a “Great Honor” to meet Machado, calling her “a wonderful woman who has been through so much.” He praised her for presenting him with her medal, describing the gesture as one of “mutual respect.”

Machado also addressed senators from both parties, vowing to transform Venezuela “from the criminal hub of the Americas” into a “security shield for the whole hemisphere.” She pledged to restore democratic institutions, open markets, and encourage the return of Venezuela’s vast diaspora.

U.S. Maintains Support for Interim Authorities

Machado’s meetings in Washington followed a U.S. military operation ordered by Trump that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who are currently on trial in New York on weapons-related charges.

Trump, however, has so far declined to endorse Machado as Venezuela’s next leader.

“I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,” he told reporters, arguing she lacked sufficient domestic support. “She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.”

Whether his view has shifted following her symbolic gift remains unclear, but the White House praised relations with Venezuela’s interim authorities on Thursday as Trump met with Machado.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been in constant communication with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, describing the interim government as “extremely cooperative.” She highlighted recent oil sales and the release of political prisoners as key signs of progress, adding that Trump expects continued compliance.