Nobel Institute nixes idea María Corina Machado could give or share her Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said she’d dedicate and share it with Donald Trump after Nicolás Maduro’s capture — but the Norwegian Nobel Institute says Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred or revoked.
- Prize is final: The Norwegian Nobel Institute says a Nobel Prize “cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred” and that the decision is final.
- Machado’s dedication: Machado publicly dedicated the 2025 prize to Donald Trump and discussed “giving” or “sharing” it on U.S. television.
- No legal path: There is no institutional route to add Trump as co‑laureate, transfer the award, or revoke Machado’s selection.
- Local relevance: The episode is likely to surface in conservative conversations and security-minded communities in places like Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Key information
Prize award: María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for defending democratic rights and advocating a peaceful transition in Venezuela, according to Anadolu Agency.
Public dedication: After the Jan. 3 U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, Machado dedicated the prize to Donald Trump and said she would like to give or share it with him — coverage in Time, Fox News and CBS News reported the remarks.
Machado’s comments and travel
Machado — a long‑time opposition leader in Venezuela — reportedly traveled to Oslo to receive the award. In interviews and public remarks she called the U.S. raid that captured Maduro “historic” and said she dedicated the Nobel to President Trump (Time).
On the Fox News program Hannity, Machado floated the idea of “giving” or “sharing” the Nobel with Trump. When asked if she had offered the prize, she said, “Well, it hasn’t happened yet,” and added that she would like Americans to know “the Venezuelan people…certainly want to give it to him and share it with him” (Fox News).
Machado also said she intends to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible” after receiving the prize in Oslo (Time).
Nobel Institute’s response
The Norwegian Nobel Institute issued a firm statement to halt public speculation: a Nobel Prize “cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others” and “the decision is final and stands for all time.” The position was reported by Anadolu Agency, CBS News and Fox News.
“The decision is final and stands for all time.” — Norwegian Nobel Institute (statement reported by Anadolu Agency)
That rule leaves no legal mechanism to add Donald Trump as a co‑laureate after the award announcement, to transfer the prize to him, or to revoke Machado’s selection (CBS News).
Trump’s response and the political backdrop
Former President Trump responded positively to Machado’s mention on Hannity, saying he would be honored to accept the award and looked forward to meeting her (Time, CBS News).
The political landscape remains complex: while some expected Machado to be a leading post‑Maduro candidate, reports indicate the White House supported acting President Delcy Rodríguez and questioned Machado’s domestic support (Time).
Machado has also advocated recognition of Edmundo González Urrutia as the rightful constitutional successor after the 2024 election (Time).
What the record shows — and what it doesn’t
Public commentary has sometimes mixed Machado’s personal wishes with the strict legal framework governing Nobel Prizes. While Machado publicly dedicated and discussed sharing the prize, the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s rule is unambiguous: such a transfer or co‑award is not possible (Fox News, CBS News, Anadolu Agency).
There is no legal path to:
- revoke Machado’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize,
- retroactively add Donald Trump as a co‑recipient, or
- formally hand the prize to someone else after announcement.
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Local conservative readers and communities in Alamogordo may follow this episode for several reasons:
- Political conversation: Expect debate in town halls, precinct meetings and local commentary about U.S. leadership in Latin America.
- Military and security interest: Residents connected to Holloman AFB or White Sands Missile Range often track regional security and deployment implications.
- Economic concerns: Shifts in Venezuelan politics can influence global energy markets and fuel prices that matter locally.
- Local media: Accurate reporting of the Nobel Institute’s rule will help prevent misinformation in community outlets and call‑in shows.
- Civic diplomacy: Faith and civic groups may use the moment to discuss democracy, values, and U.S. foreign policy.
Practical steps for interested residents include asking candidates about Latin America and national security, organizing informational panels, and inviting veterans or foreign‑policy experts to explain implications.
Sources and reporting notes
This report draws from coverage by Time, CBS News, Fox News and Anadolu Agency, which cited the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s statement and reported on interviews and public remarks by Machado and Trump.
Sources referenced in this article:
