Donald Trump has been told he cannot be recognized as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado reportedly presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a White House visit this week.
According to the report, Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her efforts tied to democracy in Venezuela. During her meeting with Trump, she described him as the “heir of Washington” and said he had shown a “unique commitment” to the cause of freedom.
Nobel Committee: Medals Can Be Owned, But Laureate Status Can’t Be Given Away
In a statement shared Thursday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasized that while physical medals may change hands, the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred.
The committee reiterated its position that once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or reassigned to someone else.
Machado Defends the Gesture
Machado, however, stood by her decision, telling reporters she “presented” the medal to the U.S. president. She compared the moment to historical examples of commemorative medals being handed to others—referencing a medal associated with President George Washington that was later presented to the family of Marquis de Lafayette.
Trump Responds Publicly
Trump thanked Machado in a post on Truth Social, calling it an honor to meet her and praising her personally. He also said she had presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize “for the work” he has done, and described the move as a gesture of mutual respect.
Context Around Venezuela Talks
Ahead of the meeting, Machado had indicated she was open to giving Trump the medal. The report also says the U.S. has not pushed for full regime change in Venezuela, and describes ongoing engagement with senior Venezuelan officials.
Machado was later photographed leaving the White House and departing the area, with the visit described as a turning point after a period of political isolation. The report states she has been in hiding since briefly being detained in Caracas last year and later leaving the country.
