The Norwegian Nobel Institute has emphatically declared the indivisibility and permanence of its prestigious Peace Prize, stating it cannot be rescinded, divided, or reassigned. This firm stance comes in response to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado's public proposal to share her Nobel Peace Prize with former American President Donald Trump, acknowledging American efforts concerning Venezuela. The Institute underscored the unwavering nature of Nobel Prize decisions once announced, highlighting the strict protocols governing the award.
This clarification was prompted by recent remarks from Machado, who, during a Monday appearance on Fox News' "Hannity," expressed her desire to personally convey to Trump that the Venezuelan people wished to bestow upon him a share of her Nobel Peace Prize. She emphasized that the award represented the Venezuelan populace's collective sentiment. Trump, subsequently responding on the same program, lauded the gesture as a "great honor" and voiced anticipation for a meeting with Machado during his forthcoming visit to Washington.
Machado, a former member of the National Assembly, secured victory in Venezuela's opposition primary in 2023. However, her candidacy against President Nicolás Maduro was ultimately disallowed. The election itself faced widespread criticism from international observers. Earlier this month, a U.S. military operation in Venezuela brought renewed attention to Machado's ambitious $1.7 trillion blueprint for privatizing state assets and revitalizing the nation's struggling economy. She had first unveiled this plan in October 2025, attributing the country's economic woes to decades of socialist mismanagement and corruption. Her proposal advocates for privatization, transparency, and incentives to draw foreign investment.
Former national security adviser John Bolton critically assessed Trump's strategy, cautioning that merely removing Maduro would not dismantle his entrenched regime. He warned that a failure to bolster the opposition could inadvertently legitimize institutions associated with the Maduro era. Last year, the White House openly criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the Peace Prize to Machado over Trump. Despite this, Trump later extended his congratulations to Machado, who, in turn, acknowledged his support for Venezuela's democratic aspirations.
In essence, the Nobel Institute's reiteration of its steadfast rules underscores the sanctity and immutability of the Nobel Peace Prize. This position directly addresses the public discourse sparked by María Corina Machado's suggestion to share her award with Donald Trump, reinforcing that the honor, once conferred, remains final and solely attributed to its original recipient.