Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, announced that she presented the award to Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office this afternoon. Many had speculated that Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, might assume leadership in the country following Trump’s recent intervention that ousted dictator Nicolas Maduro.
However, reports indicated that Trump had cooled on the idea due to Machado’s reluctance to accept her Nobel Prize and her decision to offer it to him instead. Since the intervention, Machado has appeared sporadically on US news channels in what many perceived as an attempt to persuade the US president to reconsider and appoint her as interim President.
Following the meeting, Machado revealed that she had bestowed her medal upon Trump, citing his unwavering dedication to their freedom. She drew parallels to a historical gesture where General Lafayette presented a medal to Simon Bolivar with George Washington’s likeness, symbolizing solidarity between the US and Venezuela in their fight against oppression. Machado emphasized that by awarding Trump the Nobel Peace Prize medal, they were acknowledging his exceptional commitment to their shared cause.
In an interview preceding the meeting, Trump described Machado as a pleasant individual and anticipated discussing fundamental matters. However, shortly after the US assumed control in Venezuela, he expressed doubts about Machado’s leadership capabilities, noting her lack of widespread support and respect within the country.
Upon rumors circulating about her plans, the Nobel Committee clarified that the prize was not transferable, stating that once awarded, it could not be rescinded, shared, or passed on to others.
After concluding her White House meeting with Trump, Machado interacted with a group of supporters outside, who cheered and embraced her. She expressed gratitude in Spanish, mentioning that they could rely on President Trump. Subsequently, Machado proceeded to Capitol Hill, where she engaged with a bipartisan assembly of senators, exchanging greetings and conversations with them before delving into closed-door discussions.
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