WASHINGTON (AP) — The organization that oversees the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize is throwing cold water on rumors that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado recently presented her prize to President Donald Trump.
Once the Nobel Peace Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, transferred or shared with others, the Norwegian Nobel Institute said in a brief statement on Friday.
“The decision is final and valid forever,” he said.
The statement comes after Machado said she would like to donate or share the prize with Trump, who successfully oversaw the U.S. operation to capture Venezuela’s authoritarian president. Nicolas Maduro. He faces drug trafficking charges in New York.
“I certainly wish I could tell him personally that we believe – the Venezuelan people, because it’s a prize of the Venezuelan people – that we certainly want to give it to him and share it with him,” Machado told the Fox News host. Sean Hannity Monday. “What he did is historic. It’s a big step towards a democratic transition.”
Machado dedicated the award to Trump, as well as the Venezuelan people, shortly afterward. was announced. Trump has coveted and openly campaigned to win the Nobel Prize himself since returning to office.
When it comes to govern Venezuela However, after Maduro’s capture, Trump has so far supported someone else: interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who served as vice president under Maduro.
He called Machado “a very kind woman” but said she currently does not have the support needed in Venezuela to govern. He told Hannity on Thursday that Machado plans to visit him next week and called a possible offer of the Peace Prize a “great honor.”
A representative for Machado did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
