The Nobel Foundation issued a statement on Friday reiterating that the Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred or transferred, even symbolically, as it sought to protect the dignity and integrity of the prizes and their administration.
With reference to Alfred Nobel’s will
In a statement, the foundation said one of its main missions is to support Alfred Nobel’s will and the principles set out in it.
“The foundation supports Alfred Nobel’s will and its provisions. It states that the prizes will be awarded to those who have ‘brought the greatest benefit to humanity’ and specifies who has the right to award each prize,” the statement said.
The award remains with the winner
The foundation emphasized that physical symbols such as medals exist, but the award itself cannot be transferred under any circumstances.
“Therefore, the award cannot even be symbolically handed over or redistributed,” it said.
The clarification emphasizes that the honor and recognition of the Nobel Prize remain permanently attached to the original laureate, regardless of what happens to the medal or other related objects.
The Nobel Committee clarifies the position
The Nobel Peace Prize remains inextricably linked to the individual or organization that wins it, even after the physical medal is given away, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Friday.
The clarification came a day after Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House.
Machado presents the medal to Trump
Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, met with Trump at the White House on Thursday. She later told reporters that she presented her medal as a gesture of appreciation for Trump’s support.
“I presented the president of the United States with a medal … the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom,” Machado said.
Drawing a historical parallel, she added, “Two hundred years into history, the people of Bolivar are returning the medal to Washington’s heir.
Trump called it a “wonderful gesture”
Trump acknowledged the gesture in a post on Truth Social, thanking Machado for what he called mutual respect.
“Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect,” Trump wrote.
The White House also confirmed the exchange and shared photos of Trump holding a gold frame with medals.
After the award is announced, the Commission does not comment on the laureate’s actions or statements.
Machad’s Nobel Prize also includes a diploma and 11 million Swedish crowns (about $1.19 million) as a reward.
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