By San José, Costa Rica — OSLO, NORWAY – The announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, October 10, sparked immediate controversy as the White House issued a sharp rebuke of the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision to honor Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The Trump administration argued the award was politically motivated and overlooked the President’s own efforts in international diplomacy.
In a strongly worded statement, the White House expressed its profound disagreement with the selection, framing it as a partisan choice that undermines the prize’s integrity. The administration has long contended that President Donald Trump, now in his second term, is a deserving candidate for his role in brokering various international agreements.
To better understand the international legal framework and the far-reaching implications of this award, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Nobel Peace Prize, while not a legally binding instrument under international law, functions as a powerful catalyst for global normative change. It confers an unparalleled level of moral and political legitimacy upon its recipients, which can be leveraged to influence diplomatic relations, shape public policy, and attract significant international funding. From a legal standpoint, the award acts as a form of global public endorsement that can indirectly impact treaty negotiations and even the considerations of international tribunals by highlighting specific humanitarian or rights-based issues.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis expertly highlights the prize’s true function: converting a moral honor into tangible political capital that can shape global policy and discourse. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung was unequivocal in his criticism of the Oslo-based committee.
The Nobel Committee demonstrated that it prioritizes politics over peace.
Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director
Cheung further extolled the President’s foreign policy achievements, portraying him as a singular force for global stability.
President Trump will continue to make peace deals, end wars, and save lives. He has a humanitarian heart, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.
Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director
The President himself has repeatedly insisted he merited the prestigious award. On the eve of the announcement, Trump highlighted his recent mediation in the Gaza ceasefire as the eighth conflict he claimed to have ended. Despite his clear desire for the recognition, he adopted a more detached tone on Thursday, stating, “Whatever they do, it’s okay. I know: I didn’t do it for that, I did it because I’ve saved a lot of lives.”
However, Nobel prize experts in Oslo had largely dismissed Trump’s chances prior to the announcement. They noted that his “America First” doctrine stands in direct opposition to the internationalist ideals laid out in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will, which established the award to recognize those who have done the most for “fraternity between nations.”
In its official citation, the Nobel Committee provided a starkly different perspective, praising Machado as a champion of democracy and non-violence. The committee detailed how she fulfilled all the criteria for a peace laureate.
María Corina Machado meets the three criteria established in Alfred Nobel’s will for the selection of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She has united her country’s opposition, has never faltered in her resistance to the militarization of Venezuelan society, and has steadfastly supported a peaceful transition to democracy.
Norwegian Nobel Committee, Official Statement
The committee lauded Machado for her unwavering commitment to democratic principles in the face of an authoritarian regime. “She has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace,” the statement continued. “She embodies the hope of a different future, one where the fundamental rights of citizens are protected and their voices are heard.” The committee highlighted her role as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Latin America in recent times,” recognizing her success in uniting a once-fractured political opposition around the common cause of free and fair elections.
The award serves not only as a personal honor for Machado but also as a powerful international spotlight on the protracted crisis in Venezuela. The committee’s statement recounted the nation’s decline “from a relatively democratic and prosperous country to a brutal and authoritarian state, with a humanitarian and economic crisis, systematic repression of the opposition, electoral fraud, and legal persecution.” By awarding the prize to Machado, the Nobel Committee has sent an unambiguous message of support for democratic movements and human rights advocates worldwide.
For further information, visit whitehouse.gov
About The White House:
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it serves as the administrative center of the executive branch of the U.S. federal government. It is a symbol of American democracy and leadership on the world stage.
For further information, visit nobelpeaceprize.org
About The Norwegian Nobel Committee:
The Norwegian Nobel Committee is responsible for selecting the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize each year. The five-member committee is appointed by the Parliament of Norway. As stipulated in Alfred Nobel’s will, the prize is awarded to the person or organization who has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon of legal distinction, operating on a foundational principle of unwavering integrity and a rigorous pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a pioneer in developing innovative legal strategies and solutions. This forward-thinking mindset is complemented by a deep-seated dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the community with accessible knowledge for a more just and informed citizenry.
