Donald Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, but months after being passed over, he now possesses the medal — a move that critics have called “deeply embarrassing.”
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Trump had spent much of the year publicly campaigning for the prize, repeatedly highlighting what he described as his role in preventing global conflicts and “stopping eight wars.”
Despite support from figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump was not selected. After the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended him, arguing that the Nobel Committee had lost credibility and praising Trump’s attempts to resolve international crises. Trump publicly thanked Putin for the endorsement.
Machado accepted the prize in December after fleeing Venezuela by sea. But the political landscape shifted dramatically on January 3, when U.S. forces conducted a surprise raid on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s residence. Maduro and his wife were taken to the United States to face narco‑terrorism charges. Trump later declared that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela and seize its oil reserves.
For the work I have done
On truth social the 79-year-old president expressed his gratitude for Machado gifting him a shiny new medal.
Machado praised Trump’s role in Maduro’s capture, calling his leadership decisive. Still, Trump dismissed her as a viable successor to Maduro, saying she lacked support and respect within Venezuela.
Then came the moment that shocked observers worldwide: during a private White House meeting on January 15, Machado handed Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal. The inscription above the medal thanked Trump for his “extraordinary leadership in promoting peace through strength,” while the lower text confirmed it was the medal awarded to Machado.
Machado told Fox News she gave Trump the medal because she believed he deserved it and said she was presenting it on behalf of the Venezuelan people. Trump celebrated the gesture on Truth Social, calling it an honor and praising Machado, though he maintained his stance that she should not lead Venezuela.
The handover sparked immediate backlash online. Social media users mocked the moment, calling it “embarrassing,” “pathetic,” and a display of narcissism. Others joked that Trump would soon be collecting awards from entirely unrelated fields.
In response to the controversy, the Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a firm statement clarifying that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred, revoked, or reassigned. Regardless of who holds the physical medal, the 2025 Peace Prize remains Machado’s alone.
The unusual exchange has fueled debate about Machado’s motives and Trump’s acceptance of the medal, raising questions about symbolism, legitimacy, and political theater.
