The Norwegian Nobel Institute has dismissed recent proposals suggesting that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado could share her Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement came on Friday, following Machado’s remarks earlier in the week indicating her willingness to transfer the prestigious award to Trump.
In an official statement, the Nobel Institute clarified, “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time.” This definitive response underscores the rules governing the Nobel Peace Prize and the integrity of its recipients.
The controversy began during Machado’s appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity” on Tuesday, where she was questioned about potentially offering the prize to Trump. When host Sean Hannity asked, “Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize?” Machado replied, “Well, it hasn’t happened yet.” She elaborated that the award represents the Venezuelan people’s aspirations for democracy and expressed her belief in Trump’s contributions towards this goal, stating, “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition.”
On January 3, 2024, Trump announced that the United States had successfully executed an operation to capture authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in New York. In response to Machado’s comments during his own appearance on “Hannity,” Trump acknowledged hearing about her desire to share the award, describing it as “a great honor.”
Machado, who escaped Venezuela last month, traveled to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which she dedicated to Trump. “Let me be very clear. As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed at that point that he deserved it,” she stated on the program. She emphasized the improbability of achieving the political changes her country needs, highlighting the significant role she attributes to Trump in these developments.
Looking ahead, Trump has indicated plans to meet with Machado in Washington next week. Despite his recognition of her efforts, he has previously remarked that she lacks the necessary support within Venezuela to lead effectively. Trump has also shown support for Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro loyalist and former vice president, complicating the political dynamics in Venezuela.
The discussions surrounding Machado’s Nobel Prize and her association with Trump reflect ongoing tensions in Venezuelan politics and the international response to the country’s leadership crisis. As the situation evolves, the implications of these interactions will likely resonate beyond the realm of awards and recognition, impacting diplomatic relations and the future of Venezuela.
