Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, announced that she bestowed the award upon Donald Trump during a meeting at the Oval Office this afternoon. Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, was expected by many to be named interim leader of the country following Trump’s recent intervention, which led to the removal of dictator Nicolas Maduro.
However, reports indicated that Trump had second thoughts about appointing Machado as interim leader because, despite her positive remarks about him, she did not decline her Nobel Prize and instead offered it to him. Since the intervention, Machado has made occasional appearances on American news channels, which some interpreted as an attempt to persuade the US president to reconsider and appoint her as the caretaker President.
After the meeting, Ms. Machado stated that she presented her medal to Trump as a token of appreciation for “his unparalleled dedication to our freedom.” She referenced a historical event where General Lafayette presented Simon Bolivar with a medal featuring George Washington’s likeness, symbolizing solidarity between the United States and Venezuela in their shared fight against oppression. Machado expressed that the gesture of awarding Trump the Nobel Peace Prize was a reciprocal act of recognizing his commitment to their freedom.
Before the meeting, Trump commented on Ms. Machado, describing her as a “very pleasant woman” and indicating that their discussion would focus on fundamental matters. However, shortly after the US intervention in Venezuela, Trump remarked that Machado would face challenges in leading the country due to a lack of support and respect from within Venezuela. This sentiment was reinforced when reports emerged suggesting Machado’s intention to present him with the Nobel Peace Prize.
Following these developments, the Nobel Committee clarified that the Nobel Prize is non-transferrable once awarded, emphasizing that the decision is final and cannot be shared or passed on to others. After concluding her meeting with Trump, Machado left the White House and briefly interacted with a group of supporters who greeted her near the gate, exchanging hugs and expressing gratitude for their support.
Addressing the crowd in Spanish, Machado reassured them, stating, “We can rely on President Trump,” which garnered applause. She then proceeded to Capitol Hill, where she initiated a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators, engaging with lawmakers individually, shaking hands with some, and sharing warm interactions with others, including embracing Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Machado also posed for photographs with the group before engaging in closed-door discussions with them.
