Washington (TDI): Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado presented US President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal on Thursday. The gesture is part of Machado’s efforts to influence Trump’s stance on Venezuela’s political future.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that Trump plans to keep the medal, according to Reuters. On social media that evening, Trump wrote, “Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!”
Machado called their meeting “excellent” and said she gave the medal in recognition of Trump’s dedication to promoting freedom for the Venezuelan people.
Although Machado handed over the physical medal, the Nobel honor itself remains hers. The Norwegian Nobel Institute clarified that the prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.
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When asked previously if he wanted to receive the prize from Machado, Trump told Reuters, “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.” Trump has long shown interest in the award, occasionally linking it to his diplomatic achievements.
Their lunch meeting, which lasted just over an hour, marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders. Following the White House visit, Machado met with more than a dozen senators from both parties, where she generally received warmer reception.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump had been looking forward to meeting Machado but maintained that she currently lacks the support needed to assume leadership in Venezuela.
Machado, who escaped Venezuela in December via a daring sea route, is vying for Trump’s attention alongside other Venezuelan government figures, aiming to secure a role in shaping the country’s future.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who met with Machado, said she told lawmakers that repression in Venezuela remains as severe as under Maduro. Murphy described interim President Delcy Rodriguez as a “smooth operator” consolidating power with Trump’s backing.
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Trump has emphasized US access to Venezuelan oil and economic rebuilding as his priorities. He has also praised Rodriguez, Maduro’s former deputy, who assumed leadership after Maduro’s capture. Trump described her as “very good to deal with” in a recent interview.
Machado was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election by a court dominated by Maduro allies. Observers suggest opposition-backed candidate Edmundo Gonzalez likely won by a significant margin, though Maduro claimed victory and retained control.
While dozens of political prisoners have been released recently, international groups say the scope of these releases is exaggerated. In a recent address, Rodriguez called for diplomacy with the US, stating she would travel to Washington “on her own feet, not dragged there.” She also proposed reforms to Venezuela’s oil sector to attract foreign investment.
