Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by expressing his willingness to accept a Nobel Peace Prize that was not originally awarded to him. The remark, made during a televised interview, has drawn swift and sharp criticism across social media platforms.
An Unusual Offer on Fox News
During an appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity on Thursday, January 9, 2026, the conversation turned to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado. Hannity noted that Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her pro-democracy work, had dedicated the award to Trump at the time. The host further stated that Machado now wishes to personally give her prize to Trump, crediting him for "liberating her country" after a U.S.-led operation ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
When Hannity asked if he would meet with Machado during her upcoming U.S. visit and accept "the Nobel Prize she wants to hand to you," Trump responded. "Well, I understand she’s coming in next week sometime and I look forward to saying hello to her," Trump said. "And I’ve heard that she wants to do that. That would be a great honour."
Trump's History with the Prize and Online Backlash
The former president, who has long expressed a desire for the accolade, used the moment to repeat his disputed claim about ending international conflicts. He also took a swipe at Norway, the home of the Nobel committee, calling it a "very big embarrassment" for the country that he has not received the prize, despite a vague admission that he wasn't sure if Norway was involved in selecting winners.
The comments were quickly met with a wave of mockery and condemnation online. Critics labelled the idea of Trump receiving a second-hand Nobel as profoundly embarrassing and a sign of deep narcissism.
Social Media Erupts in Ridicule
The reaction on platform X (formerly Twitter) was immediate and scornful. Commentators and political observers used strong language to express their disbelief:
- One user called the scenario "unspeakably pathetic" and shared a clip of the interview.
- Another simply asked, "What are we even doing here," expressing a sense of absurdity.
- The sentiment that it was "so humiliating for everyone involved" was echoed by several accounts.
- Some compared the act to accepting a "participation trophy," while others suggested it would cheapen the prestigious award.
- One user directly addressed the Nobel committee, urging them to rescind the prize if Machado actually gave or shared it with Trump.
The online derision highlights the unusual nature of the proposition and the intense polarization surrounding the former president. The episode also brings renewed attention to María Corina Machado, whose planned visit to the United States and past relationship with Trump remain points of significant political interest.
