Norwegian Politicians Criticize Machado's Nobel Medal Presentation to Trump

Norwegian politicians have expressed strong disapproval of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado's recent decision to present her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump. Machado, who received the award for her efforts against Nicolás Maduro's regime, handed the medal to Trump during a meeting at the White House, citing his commitment to Venezuela's freedom.

Kirsti Bergstø, leader of Norway's Socialist Left Party, described the act as "absurd," emphasizing that the Peace Prize cannot be transferred. Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, leader of the Centre Party, remarked, "Whoever has received the prize has received the prize. The fact that Trump accepted the medal says something about him as a type of person: a classic showoff who wants to adorn himself with other people's honours and work." Raymond Johansen, former governing mayor of Oslo, labeled the situation as "unbelievably embarrassing and damaging" to the reputation of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute have reiterated that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred. They stated, "Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time." The Nobel Peace Center also noted, "A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot."

Despite these clarifications, Trump expressed gratitude for the gesture, stating on social media that Machado "presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect." A photograph released by the White House showed Trump displaying the medal in a large frame, with an inscription recognizing his actions to secure a free Venezuela.

Machado compared her gesture to a historical event where the Marquis de Lafayette presented a medal featuring George Washington to South American independence leader Simón Bolívar in 1825, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against tyranny.

The Norwegian foreign ministry declined to comment, emphasizing the independence of the Nobel Committee from the government.