‘Wonderful Gesture’: Donald Trump Reacts as Machado Presents Nobel Peace Prize

US President Donald Trump has received a symbolic Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a move seen as an attempt by the current laureate to gain support from the Republican leader, who had earlier declined to openly endorse her challenge to Venezuela’s ruling regime.

Machado had been regarded as Venezuela’s democratic leader-in-waiting until Trump’s recent policy shift earlier this month, when he first moved to remove longtime leader Nicolas Maduro and later extended support to his successor.

Trump praised the Venezuelan opposition leader for presenting him with what he described as “her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done,” following their meeting at the White House.

Trump’s Reaction

Donald Trump shared his reaction on his Truth Social platform, writing,
“She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.”
He added that Machado’s presentation of the medal was “such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”

Can Machado Give Away Her Nobel Prize?

According to the Nobel Institute, Machado could not officially transfer ownership of her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump, something he has long expressed interest in receiving. Even if the gesture was symbolic, it was considered highly unusual, especially given that Trump had previously sidelined Machado, Venezuela’s longtime opposition figure.

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A White House official confirmed to Reuters that Trump plans to keep the medal.

What Machado Said

“I presented the President of the United States with the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado told reporters after leaving the White House and heading to Capitol Hill.
She said the gesture was made “as a recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom.”

The presentation came after Trump raised doubts about his stated commitment to promoting democratic governance in Venezuela, offering no clear timeline for when elections would be held.

Trump has previously remarked that Machado would struggle to lead, claiming she “doesn’t have the support or respect within the country.” However, her party is widely believed to have won the 2024 elections—results that were rejected by Maduro. Trump has also indicated interest in working with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who earlier served as Maduro’s deputy.

Machado said on Thursday that Trump provided few specifics during their meeting and declined to elaborate on the discussions. After the closed-door meeting, she emerged to greet cheering supporters gathered outside the White House gates, hugging several of them.

“We can count on President Trump,” she said, without offering further details, prompting some in the crowd to chant, “Thank you, Trump.”

Machado had not appeared publicly since her visit to Norway last month, where her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. She had remained in hiding in Venezuela for nearly 11 months before resurfacing in Norway following the ceremony.