The presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump by the Venezuelan opposition leader has raised the Nobel Committee’s eyebrows, sparking questions about the award's protocol.
The committee, in a statement, said that the prizes "cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others."
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. While accepting the ‘gift’, Trump said it's a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect”.
“It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela...She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria!” Trump said.
What the committee said
“A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot,” said the committee.
The #NobelPeacePrize medal.
— Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 15, 2026
It measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each other’s shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years.
Did… pic.twitter.com/Jdjgf3Ud2A
“One truth remains...Once a Nobel Peace Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time,” the committee added.
Machado’s meeting with Trump came days after the US carried out a military strike in Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolás Maduro.
On previous occasions, too, Machado has expressed her gratitude to Trump and said that she would give her Nobel Prize to Trump. After presenting the award to Trump, Machado said that the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize is a recognition for “his unique commitment to our freedom.”
Trump had long eyed the Nobel Prize, and he has openly said that he deserved it as he had taken credit for ending eight wars, including the India-Pakistan conflict in 2025. Trump said that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for each war he had ‘ended’.
I have a different reading of Machado’s gesture. She invoked a foundational episode: two centuries ago, Lafayette presented Simón Bolívar with a medal bearing George Washington's likeness. Bolívar kept it with him at all times as a sign of alliance among the struggles for freedom…
— Aldo Civico, Ph.D. (@AldoCivico) January 16, 2026
When former US President Barack Obama was bestowed with the Nobel, Trump contested that he didn’t do anything to deserve the honour. “I can't think of anybody in history that should get the Nobel Prize more than me, and I don't want to be bragging, but nobody else settled wars,” Trump had said.
— Samiya (@Samiya0189l9) January 16, 2026
Machado's gesture got the Internet talking, too, with many social media users commenting on the 'gifting'. "She bows to him, gives Nobel prize. She hopes, he in return, supports her as the new Venezuelan leader. He realises not the same as earned. He goes unhinged, deal broken. They hate each other. Lose-lose situation. The committee should revoke the prize," wrote an X user.
“The gold in the medal is probably worth $20,000, that's why he wants it,” said one user.
“Listen, if we gladly give away our oil and mineral resources, be my guest and take this medal too. We will give away everything, for freedom of left dictatorship. You can take and keep Delcy Rodriguez, her brother, and all the you-know-who’s too!," said another user.
