Norwegian Politicians Condemn Venezuelan Leader’s Decision to Give Trump her Nobel Prize

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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been criticized by Norwegian politicians for giving her Nobel Peace Prize medal to former US President Donald Trump. The Norwegian Nobel Institute asserts that while a medal can change owners, the title of Nobel laureate cannot be shared or transferred. Norwegian politicians have called the move “absurd” and potentially damaging to the reputation of the Nobel Peace Prize, while Machado stated she gave the medal to Trump in recognition of his commitment to Venezuelan freedom.

Political Outrage in Norway over Venezuelan Opposition Leader’s Nobel Prize Gesture to Trump

Norwegian political leaders have criticized Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s controversial move to present her Nobel peace prize medal to former US president Donald Trump, terming it as “absurd”. They accuse Trump of being a “classic showoff” who capitalizes on other’s achievements.

Machado, a Nobel laureate, handed her medal to Trump at the White House, praising his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom. Trump later acknowledged this gesture on Truth Social.

However, the Nobel Peace Center stated on social media that while a medal can change hands, the Nobel peace prize laureate title is inalienable. The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute had earlier clarified that the prize cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred.

Machado, who was awarded the prize in Oslo after a secret journey from Venezuela, has been celebrated for her struggle for democracy against Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Since then, Trump intervened in Venezuela, leading to a regime change.

Leading figures like Kirsti Bergstø, the leader of Norway’s Socialist Left party, condemned the act, stating, “The peace prize cannot be given away.” Bergstø criticized Trump’s intentions, noting his previous threats to invade Greenland as an example of why he is undeserving of the award.

Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, the leader of the Centre party, characterized Trump as a “classic showoff” who boasts about other people’s accomplishments. Raymond Johansen, the Labour former governing mayor of Oslo and secretary general of Norwegian People’s Aid, called the situation “unbelievably embarrassing and damaging”.

Johansen expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the reputation of the Nobel peace prize and the Nobel Committee. He described the act as “unbelievably embarrassing and damaging to one of the world’s most recognized and important prizes”.

The Norwegian foreign ministry declined to comment, stating the prize is independent of the Norwegian government. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has not yet responded to comment requests.

The White House released a photograph showing the gift displayed in a large gold frame with an accompanying text thanking President Trump for his efforts towards a free Venezuela.

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