On January 18, 2026, the Nobel Foundation reaffirmed that the Nobel Peace Prize is non-transferable after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her medal to U.S. President Donald Trump. The presentation followed a private meeting between the two at the White House, where topics discussed were not made public.
Machado’s Presentation and the Nobel Foundation’s Response
Machado confirmed after the meeting that she had given Trump the Nobel Peace Prize medal. A photograph of the exchange quickly circulated. In response, the Nobel Foundation issued a statement reiterating the principles established in Alfred Nobel’s will. The foundation emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Nobel Prizes and adhering strictly to the stipulations set forth by its founder.
The Foundation clarified that Nobel’s testament dictates the prizes are to be awarded to those who have “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind” and that the awarding authority is clearly defined. Therefore, a Nobel Prize cannot be transferred or redistributed, even symbolically.
Historical Parallel and Potential Implications
Machado explained her gesture by referencing a historical event. She stated she told Trump about how, 200 years ago, the Marquis de Lafayette presented Simón Bolívar with a medal bearing the image of President George Washington, which Bolívar kept for life. Machado framed the medal presentation to Trump as a reciprocal gesture, stating that “the heirs, the people of Bolívar,” were offering the U.S. President the Nobel Peace Prize medal in return.
The incident has sparked international debate and diverse reactions. The Nobel Foundation maintains that the recognition remains intrinsically linked to the individual laureate and must be administered according to Alfred Nobel’s intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted María Corina Machado to meet with Donald Trump?
The source states that Machado and Trump held a private meeting at the White House, but the topics discussed were not publicly revealed.
What is the Nobel Foundation’s position on transferring a Nobel Prize?
The Nobel Foundation reiterated that the prize cannot be transferred or redistributed, even symbolically, as per Alfred Nobel’s will.
What historical event did Machado reference to explain her gesture?
Machado referenced a historical event from 200 years ago, when the Marquis de Lafayette presented Simón Bolívar with a medal bearing the image of President George Washington.
Given the Nobel Foundation’s clear stance and the symbolic nature of the exchange, what impact might this event have on future diplomatic interactions involving Nobel laureates?
