The organisation responsible for the Nobel Peace Prize has firmly rejected suggestions that this year's laureate, Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, could hand her award to former US President Donald Trump.
Nobel Rules Are Final and Unchangeable
In a definitive statement issued on Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Institute clarified the immutable rules governing the prestigious honour. Once a Peace Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, transferred, or shared with another individual. The institute emphasised that "the decision is final and stands for all time," directly addressing the speculation that had emerged from Machado's recent comments.
This official response came after Ms Machado expressed a personal desire to pass the accolade to Mr Trump. In an interview on Monday, 11th January 2026, she stated, "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 give it to him and share it with him." She praised Trump's role in a US operation that led to the capture of Venezuela's former president, Nicolas Maduro, calling the action "historic" and "a huge step towards a democratic transition."
Trump's Long-Stated Ambition and Current Stance
Donald Trump, who has openly sought the Nobel Peace Prize since his return to the White House, acknowledged the potential offering as a "great honour." He confirmed that Ms Machado plans to visit him next week and described her as a "very nice woman." However, his administration's position on Venezuela's future leadership appears at odds with Machado's aspirations.
Despite Maduro's capture and subsequent drug trafficking charges in New York, President Trump has backed acting President Delcy Rodriguez to lead Venezuela. Rodriguez previously served as Maduro's vice president. Trump has publicly stated that he believes Machado currently lacks sufficient support within the country to govern effectively.
Political Repercussions and Dedication
The situation highlights the complex geopolitical aftermath of Maduro's downfall. Ms Machado had dedicated her prize to both Trump and the people of Venezuela immediately after the award was announced, intertwining her recognition with the controversial US intervention.
The Nobel Institute's swift and unambiguous ruling has effectively closed the door on any symbolic transfer of the award, reinforcing the prize's protocols amid a highly politicised scenario. A representative for Maria Corina Machado did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the institute's statement.
