The Norwegian Nobel Institute has decisively rejected the suggestion that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado could share her Nobel Peace Prize with former President Donald Trump. The institute clarified its position in a statement issued on Friday, following Machado’s comments earlier this week regarding the potential transfer of the prestigious award.
“Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others,” the institute stated, emphasizing that the decision is final and enduring. This response comes after Machado discussed the idea during her appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity” on Tuesday. When asked by host Sean Hannity if she had offered Trump the Nobel Prize, Machado acknowledged, “It hasn’t happened yet,” but expressed her desire to share the recognition with him.
She articulated her belief that the award represents not only her achievements but also the aspirations of the Venezuelan people. “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition,” she remarked. Machado’s comments were made in the context of Trump’s announcement on January 3, 2024, regarding the successful operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in New York.
During a subsequent appearance on “Hannity,” Trump responded to the idea of accepting the Nobel Prize from Machado, stating, “I’ve heard that she wants to do that. That would be a great honor.” This exchange highlights the complicated relationship between Machado and the former president, who has previously questioned her leadership within Venezuela. Trump remarked that Machado “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country” to lead, a statement that underscores the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela.
Adding to the narrative, Machado made a secretive exit from Venezuela last month to travel to Norway for the Nobel ceremony, where she dedicated the award to Trump. “As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed at that point that he deserved it,” she stated during her Fox News interview. She claimed that many doubted the feasibility of achieving what Trump accomplished on January 3.
In a related development, Trump has indicated plans to meet with Machado in Washington next week, signaling potential diplomatic discussions regarding Venezuela’s complex political landscape. He has also shown support for Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro loyalist and former vice president, which adds another layer of complexity to the evolving situation.
The Nobel Institute’s firm stance against the sharing of the Peace Prize highlights the integrity and permanence of the award, while the ongoing dialogue between Machado and Trump reflects the intricate dynamics of Venezuelan politics and international relations.
