Venezuelan political leader Maria Corina Machado created global headlines after presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Washington on Thursday. Describing the act as a tribute to Trump’s support for Venezuela’s democratic struggle, Machado said the moment was deeply personal and emotional.

Speaking to American media after the meeting, she praised Trump’s stance on Venezuela and stated that he was deserving of recognition for his commitment to the country’s freedom movement. Trump later confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal in his possession, calling it a meaningful sign of mutual admiration.

However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee swiftly intervened to explain that the gesture holds no official validity. Representatives of the Nobel Institute reiterated that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be reassigned or shared under any circumstances. While a recipient may choose to gift or display the physical medal, the title of laureate permanently belongs to the person originally selected.

Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her campaign to defend civil liberties in Venezuela and challenge authoritarian rule. At the time of the announcement, she dedicated the honour to Venezuelan citizens and publicly acknowledged Trump’s political backing.

The unusual episode has drawn strong reactions in Norway, where the prize is administered. Several public figures criticised both Machado and Trump for what they described as disrespect toward a historic institution. Parliamentarian Trygve Slagsvold Vedum remarked that accepting another person’s award reflected poorly on Trump’s character.

Academic and former politician Janne Haaland Matlary called the act unprecedented, arguing that the value of the Nobel Prize lies in the recognition, not in the metal object itself. Raymond Johansen of Norwegian People’s Aid warned that such incidents risk turning the prize into a political tool rather than a symbol of peace.

International commentators also weighed in. Former US diplomat Michael McFaul questioned why Trump would accept someone else’s honour, while numerous social media users mocked the exchange as reducing the Nobel Prize to a mere prop. Others suggested Machado’s move was a strategic attempt to secure stronger American support for her cause.

Despite the public display of gratitude, reports indicate that the Trump administration continues to engage with other political actors in Venezuela and has not fully endorsed Machado as the country’s future leader. Analysts say Washington’s approach remains tied to broader geopolitical interests, particularly energy and regional stability.