Machado Gives Nobel Medal to Trump, Norway Reacts
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has drawn criticism after gifting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Washington. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, described the gesture as symbolic and political, but the move triggered strong reactions in Norway, where the prize is administered.
Nobel Committee Position
Norwegian politicians and officials linked to the Nobel process clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred or shared. While the physical medal can be handed over, the status of Nobel laureate remains solely with the original recipient. Trump, despite receiving the medal, is not recognised as a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Political Backlash
Several Norwegian lawmakers described the act as “absurd” and warned that such gestures risk diluting the credibility and seriousness of the Nobel institution. They stressed that the prize is meant to recognise specific contributions to peace and cannot be repurposed for political messaging.
The Nobel authorities have not indicated any rule violations, noting that laureates retain personal ownership of their medals. However, the controversy has reignited debate over how Nobel symbols should be used in global politics.
