Trump receives Nobel medal from Machado; Can a prize be transferred?

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. While the gesture drew global attention, Nobel rules clearly state that the award itself cannot be transferred.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 16 January 2026, 10:48 AM IST

Machado Hands Nobel Peace Prize Medal to Trump

Washington: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump on Thursday. During a meeting at the White House, Machado presented the medal to Trump, saying that this is the first time in Venezuela's 200-year history that the people are bestowing this honor on Washington's successor in support of freedom.

Special Meeting at White House

Following the meeting, Trump wrote on his social media platforms that it was an honor to meet Maria Corina Machado. He said that Machado had gifted him her Nobel Peace Prize medal in recognition of his efforts, a symbol of mutual respect.

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Why was this decision taken?

Machado's move came after the Trump administration signaled a tough stance against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Machado described Trump as a key ally in Venezuela's struggle for independence.

Can the Nobel Prize be transferred?

The biggest question raised by this development was whether the Nobel Peace Prize could be awarded or transferred to someone else. The Nobel Peace Center has clearly stated the rules regarding this matter. According to the rules, the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred. The award is only registered in the name of the person designated by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Difference between a medal and a prize

According to the Nobel Peace Center, the medal is a physical object that the winner can give, donate, or even auction. Nobel Peace Prize medals have been sold at auction before, but this does not change the winner's status.

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What do the rules say?

According to the Norwegian Nobel Committee-

• The Nobel Prize cannot be withdrawn.
• It cannot be handed over or transferred to someone else.
• It cannot be shared.

This clearly means that the owner of the medal can change, but the status of the Nobel Peace Prize winner cannot.

What did Trump receive?

The medal presented by Machado is merely a symbolic honor. It does not make Trump a Nobel Peace Prize winner. In paperwork, records, and history, the Nobel Peace Prize will always remain in the name of Maria Corina Machado.

Even though Trump now holds the Nobel Peace Prize medal, the honor and title will remain Machado's. This move is a political message and a symbol of mutual respect, not a transfer of the Nobel Prize.