Machado's Nobel Peace Medal to Trump Sparks Global Outcry, Committee Distances Itself

• Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump, calling it a "recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom."
• The Norwegian Nobel Institute and Nobel Committee swiftly clarified that the act carries no official meaning, as the prize cannot be transferred, shared, or reassigned.
• While Machado can dispose of the physical medal, the Nobel Peace Prize title remains solely with her, as per the Nobel Foundation’s statutes and Alfred Nobel’s will.
• The incident triggered severe criticism in Norway and online, with many calling it "meaningless, embarrassing, and damaging" to the integrity of the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Analysts suggest Machado's move might be an attempt to curry favor with Trump, despite his past skepticism about her leadership in Venezuela.

Why It Matters: Machado's symbolic Nobel medal handover to Trump drew widespread condemnation, with the Nobel Committee invalidating the gesture.