Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has announced that she presented the award to Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office today. Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, was widely speculated to assume the role of interim leader following Trump’s recent intervention in the country, which ousted dictator Nicolas Maduro.
However, it was reported that Trump had reservations about the idea as Machado did not outright decline her Nobel Prize but instead offered it to him. In the aftermath of the intervention, Machado’s appearances on US news channels were interpreted as attempts to sway the US president into reconsidering and appointing her as the interim President.
After the meeting, Machado revealed that she had given her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as a gesture of appreciation for “his exceptional dedication to our freedom.” She drew a historical parallel by mentioning General Lafayette presenting Simon Bolivar with a medal featuring George Washington’s likeness, symbolizing solidarity in the fight for freedom against tyranny.
In a pre-meeting interview, Trump remarked about Machado, stating, “She’s a very nice woman. I’ve seen her on television. I think we’re just going to talk basics.” However, shortly after the US intervention in Venezuela, he expressed doubts about her leadership capabilities, citing a lack of support and respect within the country.
Following speculations about Machado’s intention to present the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, the Nobel Committee clarified that the award is non-transferrable and cannot be shared or revoked once announced.
After her meeting with Trump, Machado departed from the White House and was greeted by a group of supporters outside the gate, where she exchanged hugs and expressed gratitude for their backing. Addressing them in Spanish, she conveyed her confidence in President Trump. Subsequently, she proceeded to Capitol Hill, where she engaged in discussions with a bipartisan group of senators, engaging in individual greetings, handshakes, and warm interactions, including a hug with Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Photo sessions followed before Machado entered closed-door sessions with the lawmakers.