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.
Initially, there were expectations that Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, might assume interim leadership following Trump’s recent intervention in the country, which led to the removal of dictator Nicolas Maduro.
However, it was reported that Trump reconsidered this notion because although Machado had expressed admiration for him, she did not decline her Nobel Prize in favor of offering it to him.
Since the intervention, Machado has occasionally appeared on American news channels, seemingly aiming to persuade the US president to reconsider and appoint her as the interim President.
Following their meeting, Machado stated that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as a gesture of acknowledgment for “his exceptional dedication to our freedom.”
She referenced a historical event where General Lafayette gave a medal with George Washington’s likeness to Simon Bolivar, symbolizing the bond between the United States and Venezuela in the fight against tyranny. Machado likened this act to the present situation, where Venezuelans are honoring Washington’s descendant, Trump, with the Nobel Peace Prize medal.
Before the meeting, Trump described Machado as a pleasant individual whom he had seen on television, indicating that their discussions would be straightforward. However, after the US intervention in Venezuela, he expressed doubts about Machado’s leadership capabilities, citing a lack of support and respect within the country.
In response to rumors about her planned gesture, the Nobel Committee clarified that the Nobel Prize is non-transferrable once awarded, emphasizing that the decision is final and permanent.
After concluding the meeting with Trump, Machado left the White House and greeted a group of supporters who cheered her near the gate, exchanging hugs with many. She assured them in Spanish that they could rely on President Trump, eliciting more cheers.
Subsequently, Machado proceeded to Capitol Hill, where she commenced a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators by individually greeting the lawmakers. She engaged in handshakes with some and embraced others warmly, including Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
Machado also posed for photographs with the group before engaging in closed-door discussions with them.
