Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado announced that she handed over her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House, despite questions about her ability to govern Venezuela following the U.S.-backed removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
The Nobel Institute stated that Machado was not authorized to present her prize to Trump, a recognition he had expressed interest in receiving. “I gave the President of the United States my Nobel Peace Prize medal,” Machado shared with the press as she left the White House for Capitol Hill, citing his unwavering dedication to their freedom.
Although the act may have been symbolic, it was notable as Trump has marginalized Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement. Trump has shown readiness to collaborate with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s deputy.
In a social media post, Trump acknowledged that Machado had left the medal for him as a gift and expressed gratitude for the gesture, calling her a remarkable individual who presented him with the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts.
During their meeting, Trump did not provide a clear timeline for holding elections in Venezuela, casting doubt on his commitment to supporting democracy in the country. Machado did not disclose further details of their conversation.
Despite Machado’s attempts to establish connections with Trump and key figures in his administration, Trump has previously cast doubt on her capability to lead Venezuela, emphasizing that she currently lacks the necessary backing to assume leadership in the near future.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had been eager to meet with Machado but reiterated his viewpoint that she lacked the essential support to govern Venezuela in the immediate term.