At a Glance
- Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will visit the White House Thursday
- Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela
- She previously dedicated the award to Trump, crediting his support for her movement
- Norway’s Nobel Institute says the prize cannot be transferred, but has no enforcement power
Why it matters: A sitting president accepting someone else’s Nobel would break diplomatic precedent and fuel Trump’s long-standing desire for the prestigious award.
President Donald Trump lost the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, but he might still walk away with the 18-karat gold medal. Machado is scheduled to visit the White House Thursday amid widespread speculation she could offer Trump her award in gratitude for the U.S. military operation that ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
The Nobel committee honored Machado for her work advancing democratic rights in Venezuela, efforts that forced her into hiding under Maduro’s regime. Following the U.S. strike, Machado declared herself Venezuela’s rightful leader, citing her coalition’s victory in the 2024 elections.
Trump’s Administration Backs Maduro’s Vice President
Despite Machado’s democratic credentials, the Trump administration has sidelined her in favor of Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president. Trump told reporters Wednesday he had spoken with Rodríguez and found her to be a “terrific person.”
A senior White House official said Machado lacks “respect” within Venezuela and that the interim leadership has “willingly complied” with U.S. demands. The official described Machado’s White House visit as something she requested and Trump granted as a courtesy.
The Prize That Can’t Be Given Away
The Norwegian Nobel Institute issued a statement last week affirming that Machado alone is the prize winner and that this “stands for all time.” The institute clarified that the prize cannot be shared or transferred.
However, nothing appears to prevent Machado from physically giving Trump her medal if she chooses. After winning, she dedicated the award to Trump, crediting his support for Venezuela’s democratic movement.
In a recent Fox News interview, Sean Hannity asked if she had offered the prize to Trump.
“It hasn’t happened yet,” Machado replied, adding that the Venezuelan people “certainly want to give it to him and share it with him.”
A communications adviser to Machado declined to comment on whether she plans to gift the award during Thursday’s visit.
Trump’s Longstanding Nobel Obsession
Trump has openly coveted the Nobel Peace Prize for years, claiming he deserves multiple awards for ending conflicts through military intervention and economic pressure.
“President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize many times over,” said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. “His direct involvement in major conflicts – leveraging tools from America’s military might to our superior consumer market – has brought peace to decades-long wars around the world.”
Kelly added that Trump “doesn’t care about the recognition – only saving lives,” though his recent comments suggest otherwise. Trump called it an “embarrassment” to Norway that he hasn’t won, complaining that “a lot of people” have been nominated for doing “much less.”
What Happens If Machado Offers the Prize?
White House officials indicated Trump would likely accept. “If she wants to gift him something, he’s not one to refuse a gift,” said a second senior official.
Robert O’Brien, Trump’s former national security adviser, called such a move “brilliant” and “a real sign of good faith, thanks and gratitude for him getting rid of Maduro.”
“The Nobel Peace Prize Committee came out and said she can’t do it, but she can do whatever she wants,” O’Brien said. “Are they going to take the money away?”
The peace prize includes $1.2 million in addition to the gold medal and certificate.
Diplomatic Precedent and International Reaction
Diplomatic veterans suggest Trump should decline the offer. Lewis Lukens, a senior embassy official during Trump’s first term, said a proper response would be: “Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you, but this is an award that was given to you. Please don’t leave it here. It’s yours. I refuse to accept it.”
“But I can totally see Trump saying: ‘Thank you very much. I deserve it, and I’m going to keep it,'” Lukens added.
Norwegian officials have hinted Trump’s chances for future awards have diminished. Kåre Aas, Norway’s former U.S. ambassador, cited Trump’s threats to annex Greenland as evidence his prospects have “dimmed.”
“Annexing Greenland and threatening European countries doesn’t at all strengthen President Trump’s chances to get the award,” Aas said.
Where Would Trump Display the Prize?
If Machado offers and Trump accepts, speculation centers on where he might display the Nobel medal. Options include:
- The Oval Office as a daily reminder
- His future presidential library, alongside the Qatari jet
- The Roosevelt Room, where Theodore Roosevelt’s 1906 Nobel hangs
Newt Gingrich, author of “Understanding Trump,” expects Trump to accept and display the award prominently.
“I suspect she will offer it to him, and I suspect he’ll put it somewhere in the Oval Office,” Gingrich said. “It’s a Trump move.”
The convergence of interests is clear: Machado needs U.S. support for democratic elections, while Trump craves Nobel recognition. Whether this unusual diplomatic gift exchange occurs will be determined during Thursday’s White House meeting.
