In a recent statement, the Norwegian Nobel Institute underscored the finality of the Nobel Peace Prize award process, explicitly stating that once granted, the prize cannot be revoked, shared with others, or transferred.
This clarification came following Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado's proposal to share her Nobel recognition with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Machado portrayed the prize as belonging to the Venezuelan people and expressed a strong desire to present it to Trump, recognizing his leading role in the U.S. mission that successfully arrested Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro, who currently faces drug trafficking charges in New York.
During an interview on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Machado remarked, "I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to, to give it to him and share it with him." She further lauded Trump's actions as historic and vital steps toward democratic progress in Venezuela.
Shortly after the prize announcement, Machado dedicated the award to both Trump and the citizens of Venezuela, recognizing their collective aspirations for democratic transition. Trump himself has historically expressed a personal ambition to win the Nobel Prize.
Despite Machado's overtures and political momentum, Trump's support regarding the future governance of Venezuela does not presently extend to her. Instead, he has aligned himself with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president. Trump referred to Machado as "a very nice woman" but emphasized that she lacks the necessary backing within Venezuela to assume leadership.
Speaking again with Hannity, Trump mentioned Machado's upcoming visit to Venezuela and designated the prospect of a Peace Prize association as "a great honor," though his political endorsement remains directed elsewhere. Attempts to obtain commentary from Machado's representatives were not immediately successful.