Here’s what happened.
The organization responsible for overseeing the Nobel Peace Prize has formally rejected suggestions that the award could be given to, shared with, or transferred to President Donald Trump—despite recent public praise from a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader.
In a statement released Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Institute made clear that Nobel Peace Prizes are permanent and non-transferable once announced. The clarification followed public speculation earlier this week involving María Corina Machado.
“Once a Nobel Prize has been awarded, it cannot be revoked, divided, or reassigned,” the institute said, adding that Nobel decisions are final and stand indefinitely.
The issue arose after Machado appeared Tuesday on Hannity, where she spoke favorably about Trump’s recent actions related to Venezuela. During the interview, host Sean Hannity asked whether she had offered to give her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump.
Machado replied that such a transfer had not occurred, but went on to say she believed Trump’s involvement represented a historic moment for Venezuela. She described the award as symbolizing the hopes of the Venezuelan people and credited Trump with helping advance the prospect of democratic change.
Earlier this month, President Trump announced that U.S. authorities had successfully completed an operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing federal drug trafficking charges in New York. The announcement drew international attention and renewed debate over Trump’s foreign policy legacy.
When asked later on “Hannity” whether he would accept the Nobel Peace Prize if it were offered to him, Trump responded that he had heard about the suggestion and said it would be a great honor.
Machado later stated that when she learned she had received the Nobel Peace Prize, she immediately dedicated it to Trump, arguing that his actions defied widespread skepticism and accomplished what many believed was impossible just days earlier.
Trump has since indicated he plans to meet with Machado in Washington next week. However, he has previously questioned her level of political support inside Venezuela and has instead expressed backing for Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime ally of Maduro who previously served as vice president under the regime.
The Nobel Institute’s statement now closes the door on any possibility of transferring the prize—marking yet another moment where Trump supporters argue that international institutions have declined to formally recognize what they view as major foreign policy achievements.
