Caracas/Washington: Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado has triggered an international debate after presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a recent meeting at the White House. The gesture, which Machado described as recognition of Trump’s efforts toward Venezuela’s freedom, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, the Nobel establishment, and social media users worldwide.
Following the meeting, Machado told Fox News that the moment was deeply emotional and that Trump “deserved” the honor. Trump later stated on social media that Machado had asked him to keep the medal as a symbol of mutual respect, with both leaders posing for photographs holding the Nobel medal at the White House.
President Donald J. Trump meets with María Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/v7pYHjVNVO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 16, 2026
The Nobel Committee swiftly clarified that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred, shared, or reassigned once awarded. Citing Nobel Foundation statutes, the committee emphasized that while the physical medal may be in someone else’s possession, the official status of Nobel laureate permanently remains with the original recipient. It reaffirmed that Machado alone is the legitimate Nobel Peace Prize winner, not Trump.
Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her sustained struggle to secure democratic rights for the Venezuelan people and for her efforts to lead the country away from authoritarian rule. At the time of the award announcement, she dedicated the honor to the people of Venezuela and acknowledged Trump’s support.
The episode has drawn strong criticism in Norway, where members of parliament and former ministers described the gesture as an insult to the Nobel Prize and a dangerous precedent. Critics accused Trump of claiming credit for an honor earned through the sacrifices of others, warning that such actions undermine the credibility of the prestigious award.
Social media reactions have been sharply divided, with many questioning Trump’s acceptance of another person’s Nobel medal, while others mocked the incident as trivializing the prize. A smaller section, however, defended Machado, saying the gesture reflected her gratitude and goodwill.
Amid the controversy, Venezuela’s political future remains uncertain. Trump has previously questioned Machado’s domestic support and is reportedly backing interim president Delcy Rodríguez, even as the United States and Venezuela continue talks on oil, trade, and security.
Despite the symbolic handover of the medal, both legally and historically, the Nobel Peace Prize remains with Machado. The incident has reignited a global debate on the integrity of international honors and the growing intersection of politics and prestigious awards.