The Nobel Peace Prize is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious international honors, and former U.S. President Donald Trump has long made clear that he believes his actions warrant the award. While Trump did not receive the prize himself, a highly unusual gesture by the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate has placed him at the center of renewed controversy and public debate surrounding the honor.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a decision that immediately drew attention due to Trump’s prior public statements expressing frustration over not receiving the prize. Trump has repeatedly suggested that his foreign policy decisions and conflict-related actions merited Nobel recognition, and he openly voiced disappointment after the award announcement.
The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony took place on December 10 in Oslo, where Machado was formally recognized “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” Trump did not attend the ceremony and was not among the recipients, despite his expressed interest in the prize.
Following the announcement, Trump publicly reiterated his belief that his actions justified Nobel recognition. Speaking after the award decision, he stated:
”When you put out eight wars, in theory, you should get [a Nobel Peace Prize] for each war. It makes me feel so good. Not because of a Nobel Prize, but because I saved millions and millions of lives, and that’s what really makes me feel good.”
His comments echoed earlier remarks made months before the prize was awarded. In February 2025, Trump told reporters:
”They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it.”
While the Nobel Committee did not select Trump, events took an unexpected turn several weeks later. On January 15, Machado met with Trump in Washington, D.C., in a meeting that drew significant media attention. During the visit, Machado physically presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, an unprecedented gesture involving a sitting laureate and a former U.S. president.
After the meeting, Machado addressed reporters and confirmed the action, saying:
”I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize.”
She explained that the presentation was intended as a symbolic expression of gratitude, stating that she gave Trump the medal “as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”
The medal was accompanied by a framed message that further explained the purpose of the gesture. The inscription read:
”Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people in recognition of President Trump’s principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela.”
Trump acknowledged the presentation shortly afterward on his social media platform, writing:
“Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect,”
The exchange immediately generated widespread discussion, with supporters describing the moment as symbolic recognition of Trump’s involvement in international affairs, while critics emphasized that the official Nobel designation remained unchanged.
Machado later elaborated on the historical symbolism she associated with the gesture. Speaking to reporters as she exited the White House, she referenced a historical parallel involving Venezuela and the United States:
“I told him this … Listen to this — 200 years ago, General Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal with George Washington’s face on it. Bolivar, since then, kept that medal for the rest of his life,” she said.
She continued:
“Actually, when you see his portraits, you can see the medal there. And it was given by General Lafayette as a sign of the brotherhood between the United States, people of United States, and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny. And 200 years in history, the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington, a medal, in this case a medal of a Nobel Peace Prize, and a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom,”
Despite the symbolic gesture, Trump has previously expressed skepticism about Machado’s political prospects within Venezuela. When asked earlier in the month whether she could become the country’s next leader, he said it would be “very tough for her,” adding that she “doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country.”
At the same time, Trump has indicated renewed engagement with Venezuela’s leadership. On Wednesday, he confirmed that he had a “great conversation” with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, marking their first direct contact since the removal and capture of Nicolás Maduro.
“We had a call, a long call. We discussed a lot of things,” Trump said during a bill signing in the Oval Office. “And I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela.”
In a separate announcement shared on social media the previous week, Trump stated that he had “cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks” on Venezuela following the release of several political prisoners. He added that “all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes.”
The episode also renewed public interest in how Nobel Peace Prize nominations and selections work. The process begins with formal nominations submitted by individuals who meet strict eligibility criteria, and self-nominations are not permitted. The Nobel Committee then reviews submissions, creates a shortlist, conducts evaluations, and votes before announcing the winner in October.
Despite speculation generated by the medal presentation, the Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred or reassigned. The institute previously stated: “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others.” It further emphasized: “The decision is final and stands for all time.”
As a result, while Trump may now physically possess a Nobel Peace Prize medal, the official designation remains unchanged. María Corina Machado is, and will continue to be, the recognized 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The episode underscores how symbolic gestures, political relationships, and global honors can intersect, generating debate while leaving the formal record intact.
