Donald Trump has accepted the Nobel Peace Prize from Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado, but his decision is being met with widespread criticism in Norway. Despite the Norwegian Nobel Institute stating that prizes are not transferable and cannot be shared or given away, Machado presented the prize to Trump at a White House meeting.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Machado on social media, saying receiving the award was "such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". However, this move has sparked outrage in Norway. The Nobel Peace Prize center had previously stated that prizes cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others once an announcement is made.
Politicians across Norway are speaking out against Trump's decision. Kirsti Bergstø, the leader of Norway's Socialist Left Party, described it as "absurd" and said that the prize cannot be given away. She also expressed concerns over Trump's actions towards Greenland, citing his repeated threats towards the territory.
Bergstø's fears are not unfounded, as there have been concerns that Trump may try to take over Svalbard, a Norwegian demilitarized archipelago with significant Russian presence, due to his actions towards Greenland. Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, leader of the Centre Party, also criticized Trump's move.
Vedum described Trump as "a classic showoff who wants to adorn himself with other people's honors and work". Raymond Johansen, a former governing mayor of Oslo, warned that the award has become "politically corrupted" and may legitimize an "anti-peace prize development".
The move has highlighted the politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump's acceptance of the award is seen as a reflection of his personality, with many viewing it as an attempt to boost his image. The decision has sparked controversy in Norway, where the Nobel Peace Prize is deeply respected and considered a powerful tool for promoting peace and understanding.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Machado on social media, saying receiving the award was "such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". However, this move has sparked outrage in Norway. The Nobel Peace Prize center had previously stated that prizes cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others once an announcement is made.
Politicians across Norway are speaking out against Trump's decision. Kirsti Bergstø, the leader of Norway's Socialist Left Party, described it as "absurd" and said that the prize cannot be given away. She also expressed concerns over Trump's actions towards Greenland, citing his repeated threats towards the territory.
Bergstø's fears are not unfounded, as there have been concerns that Trump may try to take over Svalbard, a Norwegian demilitarized archipelago with significant Russian presence, due to his actions towards Greenland. Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, leader of the Centre Party, also criticized Trump's move.
Vedum described Trump as "a classic showoff who wants to adorn himself with other people's honors and work". Raymond Johansen, a former governing mayor of Oslo, warned that the award has become "politically corrupted" and may legitimize an "anti-peace prize development".
The move has highlighted the politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump's acceptance of the award is seen as a reflection of his personality, with many viewing it as an attempt to boost his image. The decision has sparked controversy in Norway, where the Nobel Peace Prize is deeply respected and considered a powerful tool for promoting peace and understanding.