The White House has launched a sharp rebuke against the Nobel Foundation, accusing it of political bias for failing to acknowledge former President Donald Trump's achievements after a symbolic presentation of a Nobel Peace Prize medal.
A Symbolic Gesture Sparks Diplomatic Tension
Steven Cheung, the White House director of communications, publicly criticised the foundation on social media platform X. His comments came after Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Maria Corina Machado, presented her medal to Trump during a private meeting in the Oval Office last Thursday.
Machado explicitly framed the act as a symbolic gesture of gratitude, telling reporters she presented it "as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom." Trump later confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal with him, calling it a "wonderful gesture of mutual respect."
The White House released a photograph of the moment, showing Trump holding a large framed display containing the medal. The inscription stated it was presented as a "personal symbol of gratitude" from the Venezuelan people for Trump's "principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela."
Nobel Foundation's Firm Rejection of Symbolic Transfer
The Nobel Foundation swiftly moved to clarify the rules surrounding its prestigious awards. In a carefully worded public statement, it stressed that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred or passed on, even symbolically, according to the stipulations of Alfred Nobel's will.
"One of the core missions of the Nobel Foundation is to safeguard the dignity of the Nobel Prizes and their administration," the foundation wrote. It emphasised that prizes are awarded solely to those who have "conferred the greatest benefit to humankind" by the designated committees, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee responsible for the Peace Prize.
This clarification was a direct response to the Oval Office meeting and aimed to shut down any implication that Trump had become an informal recipient of the honour.
White House Accusations and Broader Context
Cheung's rebuke accused the foundation of "playing politics" instead of highlighting the president's record. He argued Trump "rightfully deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing peace to at least eight wars." The White House has repeatedly expressed frustration that Trump's diplomatic efforts, in their view, have gone unrecognised by international institutions like the Nobel committee.
This dispute occurs against a backdrop where Trump has openly coveted the Nobel Peace Prize. It also follows closely on the heels of Trump receiving another international honour. In December, he was awarded the newly created FIFA Peace Prize by President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 World Cup draw, an award his allies cite as validation of his diplomatic record.
Machado, who won the 2025 prize for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela, had previously announced she would dedicate part of the award to Trump, citing his administration's pressure campaign against Venezuela's former leadership. The Nobel Peace Prize also carries a monetary award of more than $1 million.
