Nobel Committee Says Peace Prize Cannot Be Transferred After Machado’s Dedication to Trump

Nobel Committee Rules Out Transfer of Peace Prize After Machado’s Comments

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be shared, transferred, or revoked once awarded , following remarks by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado that she wished to dedicate her 2025 Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump . This statement has put to rest speculation about the legal status of the award and reaffirmed the permanence of the Nobel Committee’s decisions.

Nobel Committee’s Clarification on Prize Permanence

In an official statement issued this week, the Nobel Committee reiterated that once a Nobel Prize is announced, the decision is final and cannot be altered under any circumstances. According to the committee, the Peace Prize title remains exclusively with the declared laureate and cannot be reassigned to another individual regardless of the recipient’s intentions. While a laureate may choose to use the prize money at their discretion, the award itself is non-transferable and binding under the Nobel Foundation’s statutes .

Machado’s Remarks and Context

María Corina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in opposing authoritarian rule in Venezuela and promoting democratic transitions. Following her award, she publicly stated that she wished to dedicate the honour to Donald Trump, crediting him for actions she claimed had significantly contributed to political change in her country. This prompted widespread media attention and prompted the Nobel Committee’s clarification.

Reaction from Trump and Political Backdrop

Donald Trump responded to Machado’s comments by saying he would consider it an honour to be recognised in such a way. Trump has long expressed a desire to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, claiming credit for various diplomatic and conflict-resolution efforts during his presidency. His interest in the award has been a recurring theme in international media coverage of the Nobel process.

Institutional Position on Laureates’ Statements

The Nobel Institute also noted in its statement that it generally does not comment on the actions or public statements of laureates after the award has been granted, even as it continues to uphold the foundational statutes governing the prize. This clarification underscores the strict legal framework that protects the integrity of one of the world’s most prestigious honours.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• The Nobel Peace Prize cannot be revoked, transferred, or shared once awarded.

• This rule is governed by the statutes of the Nobel Foundation .

• Prize money may be used at the laureate’s discretion, but the title remains non-transferable .

• The Peace Prize is awarded annually in Oslo, Norway .