Nobel Foundation Clarifies Peace Prize Transfer Policy

The Nobel Foundation has stated that the Peace Prize cannot be transferred to anyone else, following claims made by a Venezuelan activist who alleged she presented the award to President Donald Trump.

Trump acknowledged this in a social media post, confirming that he met with Maria Colina Machado at the White House and accepted the award from her.

He described the meeting as an “honor” and expressed admiration for Machado, emphasizing her struggles. “She presented me with the Nobel Peace Prize for all my accomplishments,” he wrote, framing it as a gesture of mutual respect.

However, the Nobel Foundation issued a statement clarifying their stance. They emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize consists of a gold medal and a certificate, and while monetary awards are distinct, ultimate recognition goes to the laureates themselves.

“Even if a medal or certificate is later in another person’s possession, it does not alter who originally won the Nobel Peace Prize,” the committee reiterated. They also noted, “Winners may not share or transfer the award after its announcement.” The foundation maintained that the decision on this matter is conclusive and enduring.

Interestingly, the committee highlighted that, while the award itself cannot be shared, there are no prohibitions on how laureates can handle their medals, certificates, or prize funds. The laureates have the autonomy to keep, sell, donate, or even transfer these items as they wish.

Machado explained her emotional decision to present the Nobel Peace Prize medal on behalf of the Venezuelan people as a sign of gratitude for Trump’s support against the Maduro regime.