Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado announced that she handed over her Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House on Thursday, despite uncertainties about her ability to govern her nation following the U.S.-backed removal of President Nicolás Maduro. The Nobel Institute informed Machado that she could not officially give her award to Trump, a recognition he had long desired.
“I presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to the President of the United States as a token of appreciation for his unwavering dedication to our freedom,” Machado stated to the press after her White House visit before proceeding to Capitol Hill. Although the gesture may be symbolic, it was notable as Trump has marginalized Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s resistance movement.
Despite showing openness to collaborating with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who held a senior position under Maduro, Trump confirmed on social media that Machado left the medal for him as a gift, expressing gratitude for their meeting and acknowledging her resilience.
During their discussions, Trump did not provide a clear timeline for potential elections in Venezuela, raising uncertainties about his commitment to supporting democratic governance in the country. Machado did not disclose further details from their conversation.
Trump has previously cast doubt on Machado’s suitability to lead Venezuela, despite her efforts to engage with the President and key figures in his administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump, while anticipating the meeting with Machado, maintained a pragmatic view that she currently lacked the necessary backing to assume leadership in the near future.