Medals and diplomas are physical symbols confirming that an individual or organization has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the award itself, encompassing the honor and recognition, remains inseparably linked to the individual or organization identified by the Norwegian Nobel Committee as the laureate, the Nobel Committee stated on 16/1.

The committee also noted that many Nobel medals are currently displayed in museums worldwide. They highlighted cases where 7 past laureates chose to donate or sell their medals, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. His wife in 2024 donated the medal and diploma to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, six years after his passing.

"Regardless of what happens to the medal, diploma, or prize money, the original laureate is permanently recorded in history. Even if the medal or diploma belongs to someone else, it does not change who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize," the committee stressed.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (right) presents United States President Donald Trump with a Nobel Peace Prize medal at the White House on 15/1. *Photo: The White House*

The explanation followed an announcement by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado that she had gifted a Nobel Peace Prize medal to United States President Donald Trump during a private meeting at the White House on 15/1. Machado is the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

"Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for what I have done. This is a wonderful gesture, showing mutual respect," the United States President stated. A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal.

President Trump has publicly claimed he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize and criticized Norway as "foolish" for not awarding him the prize. Machado said that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize "belongs to the people of Venezuela," and therefore she wanted to share this award with President Trump, also expressing support for a United States operation to apprehend President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump previously stated he would cooperate with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez instead of Machado, despite the United States considering the opposition as the victor in the 2024 election. The United States President also believed that Venezuela's opposition leader "did not receive enough respect" to lead the country.