The Norwegian Nobel Committee has clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be shared, revoked, or transferred following comments by Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado suggesting she would like to share the award with US President Donald Trump.
In a press release issued on the 9th, the committee stated: “Once announced, the Nobel Prize cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to another person,” adding that decisions remain permanent once declared.
While stressing that it does not typically comment on a laureate’s actions after the award is granted, the committee noted it continues to “closely monitor” recipients’ activities. It explained that silence should not be interpreted as indifference, even if the committee does not publicly express praise or concern.
The statement was widely interpreted as a response to Machado’s recent remarks in which she praised President Trump for his role in opposing Venezuela’s government. Speaking to Fox News, Machado said she wished to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Trump, describing his efforts as a “courageous mission” on behalf of the Venezuelan people.
Trump later reacted to the comments, saying he would consider it “a great honor” if such an offer were made.
Although the committee did not explicitly name Machado in its announcement, the timing of the clarification suggested it was intended to address the controversy surrounding her comments.
The Nobel Peace Prize rules strictly limit how the award may be conferred, reinforcing the committee’s authority and preserving the integrity of one of the world’s most prestigious honors.
