Machado presented the medal to thank Trump for supporting Venezuelan freedom; Trump will keep it, Nobel rights remain hers
WASHINGTON
Former US President Donald Trump accepted a Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado during a meeting at the White House, drawing global attention to Venezuela’s political future.
Machado presented the medal as a gesture of gratitude, saying it recognised Trump’s commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. A White House official confirmed that Trump plans to keep the medal, though the Nobel honour legally remains with Machado.
Trump later posted on social media that the gesture reflected mutual respect, thanking Machado for what he called a meaningful presentation. The White House also shared photographs showing Trump holding the framed medal with a message praising his leadership.
The meeting lasted a little over an hour and marked the first in-person interaction between Trump and Machado. She later described the discussion as excellent but did not share details.
The gesture came as Machado seeks to influence US policy towards Venezuela. Trump has earlier ruled out installing her as Venezuela’s leader, instead backing a more cautious approach.
Trump has openly expressed interest in winning a Nobel Peace Prize in the past and has linked it to his diplomatic efforts. However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that prizes cannot be transferred or shared.
After the White House meeting, Machado met lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill, where she has found stronger support.
Some US senators raised concerns that political repression in Venezuela continues despite recent changes. They warned that democratic progress remains uncertain.
Trump has said his priority is securing US access to Venezuelan oil and rebuilding the country’s economy, rather than pushing immediate political change.
He has also praised Venezuela’s interim leadership, which critics say may slow democratic reforms.
Machado, banned from contesting Venezuela’s last election, continues to seek an active role in shaping the country’s future amid ongoing uncertainty.
The meeting highlighted the complex balance between diplomacy, democracy, and economic interests in US-Venezuela relations.