Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, announced that she presented the award to Donald Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office today.
Initially, many speculated that Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, would assume leadership following Trump’s recent intervention in the country, which led to the removal of dictator Nicolas Maduro. However, it appears that Trump reconsidered this possibility after Machado did not explicitly decline her Nobel Prize and instead offered it to him.
Since the intervention, Machado has appeared sporadically on American news channels, seemingly attempting to persuade the US president to reconsider and appoint her as interim President.
Following their meeting, Machado confirmed that she had gifted her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as a token of appreciation for his dedication to their freedom. She drew a historical parallel by referencing General Lafayette presenting a medal to Simon Bolivar with George Washington’s image, symbolizing the bond between the US and Venezuela in their fight against tyranny.
In an interview prior to the meeting, Trump described Machado as a pleasant individual and indicated that their discussion would be straightforward. However, shortly after the US intervention in Venezuela, he expressed doubts about Machado’s ability to lead due to a perceived lack of support and respect within the country.
Despite rumors of Machado planning the medal gesture, the Nobel Committee clarified that the award is non-transferable once announced, emphasizing its finality.
After concluding her meeting with Trump, Machado left the White House and interacted with a group of supporters outside, who cheered her on. She then proceeded to Capitol Hill, where she engaged in discussions with a bipartisan group of senators, exchanging greetings and pleasantries with them, including offering a hug to Senator Ted Cruz.
Machado also took photos with the group before engaging in closed-door meetings with them, continuing her diplomatic efforts in Washington.