Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado handed over her Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, aiming to influence the direction of Venezuela’s political landscape. A representative from the White House confirmed that Trump intends to retain the medal.
In a social media announcement on Thursday, Trump expressed gratitude for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize from Machado, highlighting it as a gesture of mutual respect. Machado, characterizing the meeting as “excellent,” emphasized that her gesture acknowledged Trump’s dedication to the freedom of the Venezuelan populace.
Machado’s move to sway Trump followed his rejection of the notion of appointing her as Venezuela’s leader in place of the ousted Nicolás Maduro. Trump had actively campaigned for the prize before Machado’s recognition and expressed disappointment when not awarded.
While Machado presented Trump with the physical gold medal associated with the prize, the honor itself remains with her. The Norwegian Nobel Institute clarified that the prize cannot be transferred, shared, or rescinded. Trump clarified that he did not request Machado to give him the prize, acknowledging her achievement.
The meeting between Machado and Trump, lasting slightly over an hour, marked their first face-to-face encounter. Subsequently, Machado engaged with over a dozen senators, representing both Republican and Democratic factions, at Capitol Hill.
During the visit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated Trump’s anticipation for the meeting but affirmed his realistic assessment that Machado lacked the current support required to lead the country in the immediate term.
Machado, who escaped Venezuela via a daring maritime venture in December, vies for Trump’s attention amidst other Venezuelan government members, striving to secure a role in the country’s governance moving forward.
After the U.S. apprehended Maduro in a recent operation, various opposition figures, Venezuelan diaspora members, and politicians from the U.S. and Latin America voiced optimism for Venezuela’s democratic progression.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, among those meeting Machado, relayed her concerns about ongoing repression in Venezuela, likening it to the previous regime under Maduro.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez, described as a “smooth operator,” has strengthened her position with Trump’s backing. Murphy expressed skepticism about forthcoming elections despite hoping for their occurrence.
Trump’s focus remains on revitalizing Venezuela’s economy and securing American access to the nation’s oil reserves. He has lauded Rodríguez, emphasizing her cooperative demeanor in interviews.
Rodríguez advocated for diplomacy with the U.S. and proposed reforms to Venezuela’s oil industry. Machado, though barred from the 2024 presidential election in Venezuela, continues to advocate for democratic principles.
The U.S. recently seized another Venezuela-affiliated tanker in the Caribbean, marking the sixth vessel targeted in connection to Venezuelan oil. The U.S. military confirmed the operation, emphasizing compliance with the quarantine of sanctioned vessels.
Trump’s efforts to pressure Maduro out of power have led to a series of tanker seizures, part of a broader strategy to oversee Venezuela’s oil resources. Washington has sought control over oil shipments linked to sanctioned producers like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia.
The intercepted vessels were either under sanctions or part of an unregulated fleet concealing their origins to transport oil. The maritime authorities of Panama, Cook Islands, and Guyana confirmed the vessels’ deceptive practices.