The Norwegian Nobel Institute has firmly rejected the idea that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado could “share” her Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump.
In a clear statement issued on Friday, the Institute emphasized that once a Nobel Peace Prize is awarded, the decision is permanent. According to the spokesperson, the prize cannot be transferred, divided, or shared with anyone else under any circumstances. The ruling, they said, is final and applies indefinitely.
The clarification came after Machado publicly raised the idea during an interview on Fox News. During the appearance, she praised President Trump’s recent military action in Venezuela, calling it “historic” and suggesting it had created real momentum toward democratic change in the country. Trump, who has repeatedly voiced his desire to win a Nobel Peace Prize, responded positively to the suggestion and said that sharing the award would be “a great honour.”
When asked directly whether she had formally offered Trump the prize, Machado said no official step had been taken yet. However, she expressed strong personal support for the idea, stating that she believes the Venezuelan people would want to recognize Trump’s role. She described the award as belonging to the people of Venezuela and said she would welcome the chance to personally convey that sentiment to him.
Machado also revealed that she had already dedicated the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump even before the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro. According to her, she made that decision the moment she learned she had won the award, saying she felt Trump deserved the recognition at that time. She added that many observers had doubted whether the operation carried out on January 3 was even possible.
Earlier this month, Trump praised the military operation in Venezuela as “brilliant.” Despite that, he has not formally recognized Machado as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Although she was barred from running in the country’s 2024 general election, she supported an alternative opposition candidate who was widely believed to have won, despite Maduro declaring victory.
Trump has described Machado in favorable personal terms, calling her “a very nice woman,” but has also questioned whether she has enough domestic support to govern effectively. Instead, he has continued to acknowledge Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, as the acting leader of Venezuela.
That position may soon face scrutiny, however, as Trump has confirmed plans to meet with Machado in Washington, DC next week a move that could signal a shift in U.S. engagement with Venezuela’s opposition leadership.
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