Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, announced that she presented the award to Donald Trump during a meeting at the Oval Office today. Initially, there were expectations that Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, might be appointed as the interim leader following Trump’s recent intervention in the country, which led to the removal of dictator Nicolas Maduro.
However, reports indicated that Trump had a change of heart due to Machado’s reluctance to decline her Nobel Prize and offer it to him instead. In the aftermath of the intervention, Machado appeared on American news channels sporadically, seemingly aiming to influence the U.S. president and secure her position as a temporary President.
After their meeting, Machado conveyed that she handed her medal to Trump as a gesture of appreciation for “his exceptional dedication to our freedom.” Drawing a historical parallel, she likened the act to General Lafayette presenting a medal with George Washington’s likeness to Simon Bolivar, symbolizing solidarity between the U.S. and Venezuela in their struggle against oppression.
In a pre-meeting interview, Trump described Machado as a “very pleasant woman” and anticipated discussing fundamental matters. Nevertheless, shortly after the U.S. assumed control in Venezuela, he expressed doubts about Machado’s leadership capabilities, citing a lack of support and respect within the country.
Following rumors of Machado’s intention to transfer the Nobel Prize, the Nobel Committee clarified that such an action was not permissible, emphasizing the irrevocable and non-transferable nature of the prestigious award.
After concluding her meeting with Trump, Machado departed the White House and interacted with a group of supporters outside the gate, receiving enthusiastic cheers and hugs. Assuring her supporters in Spanish that they could rely on President Trump, Machado proceeded to Capitol Hill, where she engaged in discussions with a bipartisan group of senators, exchanging greetings and embracing Republican Senator Ted Cruz.
The day concluded with Machado posing for photographs with the senators before engaging in closed-door discussions with them.