Oslo: The Nobel Peace Center on Friday clarified that a Nobel Peace Prize laureate receives two core symbols – a gold medal and a diploma – while the prize money is awarded separately. In a media release, it emphasized that regardless of what happens to the medal, diploma, or monetary award, the original laureate remains the official recipient in the historical record.
The clarification came after former US President Donald Trump received a Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Peace Prize and handed over her medal during a private meeting. This symbolic gesture sparked questions over ownership and attribution.
“A laureate cannot share the prize with others, nor transfer it once it has been announced. A Nobel Peace Prize can also never be revoked. The decision is final and applies for all time. The Norwegian Nobel Committee does not see it as their role to engage in day-to-day commentary on Peace Prize laureates or the political processes that they are engaged in. The prize is awarded on the basis of the laureate’ contributions by the time that the committee’s decision is taken,” the Center noted.
It further said: “The Committee does not comment on laureates’ subsequent statements, decisions, or actions. Any ongoing assessments or choices made by laureates must be understood as their own responsibility. There are no restrictions in the statutes of the Nobel Foundation on what a laureate may do with the medal, the diploma, or the prize money. This means that a laureate is free to keep, give away, sell, or donate these items.”
