Venezuelan opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado has presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump in a meeting at the White House, citing the act as a recognition of his dedication to her country's liberty. After meeting Trump in person for the first time, weeks following the US forces' apprehension of Venezuelan President NicolĂĄs Maduro in Caracas on drug-trafficking charges, Machado deemed the day historic for Venezuelans.
President Trump expressed on social media that this was "a wonderful gesture of mutual respect," although the Nobel committee clarified that the prize itself is not transferable. Despite Machado's movement claiming victory in the contested 2024 elections, Trump has not endorsed her as Venezuela's new leader. Instead, he has continued working with Venezuela's acting head of state, Delcy RodrĂguez, the former vice-president under Maduro. Nevertheless, Trump described meeting Machado as "a great honor," highlighting her resilience and referring to her as "a wonderful woman who has been through so much."
Following her visit to the White House, Machado addressed supporters gathered at the gates outside, affirming in Spanish, "We can count on President Trump," according to the Associated Press. Speaking to journalists in English, she reiterated her decision to give the US president the Nobel Peace Prize medal, recognizing his "unique commitment" to Venezuelan freedom.
Machado was awarded the prize last year, a decision that Trump had been critical of at the time, as he has previously expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize himself. Machado initially announced her intention to share the honor with Trump, prompting the committee to assert its policy that the Nobel recognition is non-transferable.
The Nobel Peace Center noted on X that while a medal can change owners, the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot be transferred. Machado likened her gesture to the historical event when Marquis de Lafayette gifted a medal of George Washington to Simon Bolivar, marking the bond between the US and Venezuela in their fight against tyranny. "Two hundred years in history, the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal... a recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom," she stated.
During her Washington visit, Machado also met with US senators at Congress where her remarks were frequently interrupted by supporters chanting "MarĂa, presidente" and waving Venezuelan flags. Her White House meeting was aiming to persuade Trump to reconsider support for interim leader RodrĂguez and instead endorse her opposition coalition for Venezuela's transition.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the meeting, noting Machado's role as "a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela," and anticipated a frank and constructive discussion on Venezuela's current situation. Trump has previously referred to her as a "freedom fighter," but has rejected supporting her leadership following Maduro's removal due to a perceived lack of domestic backing.