The Nobel Committee, "in response to numerous inquiries," published a press release regarding the unchangeable status of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
In the committee's statement, it is noted: "The facts are unequivocal. Once the Nobel Prize is awarded, it cannot be revoked, divided, or transferred to another person. This decision is final and indefinite." Maria Corina Machado, one of the leading representatives of the Venezuelan opposition and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 2025, previously expressed a desire to share or transfer this award to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The award was given to Machado for her "tireless work in defending the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and fighting for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." She dedicated the prize to the "suffering people of Venezuela" and to Donald Trump "for his resolute support of our cause." After U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, Machado stated that "the time for freedom has come for Venezuelans." She further emphasized that she believes Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
However, Donald Trump noted that the U.S. plans to cooperate with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, a close ally of Maduro, in managing Venezuela. According to him, Machado does not have sufficient support in her country. According to sources from The Washington Post, Trump refused to support Machado because she did not agree to yield the Nobel Prize to him, which he wished to receive. At the same time, Trump commented that Machado "should not have won," but that awarding her the prize "did not affect my decision in any way."
