Trump Accepts Nobel Medal Gift from Venezuelan Opposition Leader
Former US President Donald Trump received a special gift at the White House on Thursday. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented him with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal. She placed the medal in a golden frame for the occasion.
In return, Trump gave Machado a maroon swag bag. The bag featured his signature in gold lettering. This exchange followed Machado's public dedication of the prize to Trump last month.
Nobel Committee Issues Clarification Statement
The Norwegian Nobel Committee responded quickly to this unusual event. They released a statement titled "The Nobel Prize and the Laureate Are Inseparable." The committee emphasized that the prize, its honor, and its recognition remain permanently linked to the original laureate.
The statement explained clearly: "Regardless of what may happen to the medal, the diploma, or the prize money, it is and remains the original laureate who is recorded in history as the recipient of the prize."
Committee officials added another important point. They noted that even if the medal or diploma changes hands later, this does not change who received the Nobel Peace Prize originally.
Rules About Nobel Prize Medals
The Nobel Committee outlined specific rules about prize medals. Laureates may keep, give away, sell, or donate their medals according to their wishes. However, the prize itself cannot be shared, transferred, or revoked once awarded.
"The decision is final and applies for all time," the committee's statement declared firmly. This clarification came after Machado's presentation to Trump at the White House.
Details About the Nobel Peace Prize Medal
The medal Machado presented holds significant material and symbolic value. It is cast in 18-carat gold and weighs 196 grams. The medal measures 6.6 centimetres in diameter.
Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland designed the prize in 1901. The front features Alfred Nobel's portrait. The back shows three naked men with arms around one another, symbolising fraternity.
An inscription appears on the medal: "pro pace et fraternitate gentium." This Latin phrase translates to "for peace and the fraternity of nations."
Previous Cases of Medal Transfers
Several Nobel laureates have given away or sold their medals in the past. Notable examples include:
- Kofi Annan
- Dmitry Muratov
- David Thouless
- James Watson
- Leon Lederman
In each case, only the physical medal changed ownership. The prize recognition remained with the original recipient. The Norwegian Nobel Committee maintains this distinction consistently.
Trump has publicly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize since last month. Machado's dedication and presentation represent a symbolic gesture of support. The committee's statement ensures historical records will reflect Machado as the official 2025 laureate despite the medal's transfer.
