Norwegian political leaders have condemned Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado's decision to present her Nobel peace prize medal to Donald Trump, calling the move 'absurd' and accusing the US president of being a 'classic showoff'. Machado gave the medal to Trump at the White House on Thursday, stating it was 'in recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom'. Trump later wrote on Truth Social that Machado 'presented me with her Nobel peace prize for the work I have done'.
The Nobel Peace Center stated that 'a medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel peace prize laureate cannot'. The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute had previously emphasised that the prize 'cannot be revoked, shared or transferred'. Machado was awarded the prize last month for her struggle for democracy against Nicolás Maduro's regime.
Kirsti Bergstø, leader of Norway's Socialist Left party, described the situation as 'absurd', noting that Trump's threats to invade Greenland demonstrate why he is not a worthy recipient. Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, leader of the Centre party, said Trump is 'a classic showoff who wants to adorn himself with other people's honours'. Raymond Johansen of Norwegian People's Aid called the event 'unbelievably embarrassing and damaging' to the prize's reputation.
The Norwegian foreign ministry declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which did not immediately respond. Trump has since invaded Venezuela and removed Maduro, handing power to Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez.
