The Norwegian Nobel Institute is increasing transparency regarding its selection process to counter accusations of bias, particularly those stemming from President Donald Trump’s persistent demands for a Nobel Peace Prize. Director Kristian Berg Harpviken emphasized that the institute’s strategy is to openly explain its work and principles to the public. While declining to name Trump directly, Harpviken assured that candidates campaigning for themselves are neither penalized nor privileged. This comes after a series of unusual events, including FIFA awarding Trump an invented peace prize and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presenting him with her actual Nobel Peace Prize medal, despite the institute’s clear pronouncements that such transfers are impossible. The Norwegian Prime Minister also reiterated the independent nature of the Nobel Committee when pressed by Trump.
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The Nobel Peace Prize organizers have clarified that the award cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred, following Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s expressed desire to give her award to Donald Trump. Machado sought to dedicate the prize to the former US President for his support after the US launched a military strike in Venezuela. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute affirmed that the decision is final and cannot be altered, citing the Nobel Foundation’s statutes. This clarification came in response to Trump’s statement that accepting the award from Machado would be a “great honor.”
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President Trump’s desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize was quickly thwarted after he expressed interest in being honored with the award. The Norwegian Nobel Institute affirmed its rules, stating that the prize cannot be transferred to another individual. Despite lobbying efforts from some of Trump’s loyalists, including public and private appeals for Nobel laureate María Corina Machado to give the prize to Trump, the Institute’s decision stands. Trump’s claims of ending multiple wars were cited as justification for his desire for the award, highlighting his continued disappointment at not receiving the prize.
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John Q. Hosedrinker