Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado recently handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to former US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House. This event prompted international discussion and inquiries into whether a Nobel laureate is permitted to transfer their award to another individual.
Nobel Peace Prize Regulations Explained
In response to the questions, the Nobel institution and the Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a clear statement regarding their rules. They explicitly stated that once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to anyone else. This decision is considered final and irreversible. While the ownership of the physical medal may change hands, the identity of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains permanently associated with the original recipient.
Historical Context of Nobel Medal Transfers
This is not the first instance where a Nobel Peace Prize medal has been transferred or given to another party. A notable example involves Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, who previously auctioned his Nobel medal. The auction successfully raised over $100 million, with the proceeds dedicated to supporting refugees impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the medal belonging to Norway’s first Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Christian Lous Lange, is currently on display at the Nobel Peace Center, although it is held on a temporary loan basis.
The Nobel Peace Prize medal itself is a significant artifact, measuring 6.6 centimeters in diameter and weighing 196 grams. Crafted from gold, it features a portrait of Alfred Nobel on one side. The reverse side depicts three men with their arms around each other’s shoulders, symbolizing brotherhood. This design has remained consistent for over 120 years.
Following the meeting, Donald Trump acknowledged the gesture on social media, stating it was “a great honor for me” to receive the medal. He also praised Machado as “a very good woman” who has endured significant challenges. A White House official confirmed that Trump is permitted to keep the medal. Machado’s action is viewed as a significant political move, particularly as Trump had not recently offered her explicit support regarding Venezuelan governance. Despite the symbolic nature of the gesture, as the actual prize cannot be transferred, it has garnered considerable attention, especially given Trump’s long-expressed desire to receive a Nobel Peace Prize.
