Venezuelan opposition leader symbolically hands her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump at White House
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. During the meeting, she gave Trump the gold medal from her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. She described the gesture as a sign of respect for his support of freedom in Venezuela.
Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her long fight for democracy and peaceful change in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted her efforts to defend democratic rights in her country.
At the White House, Machado told reporters she placed the medal in Trump’s hands “as recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom.” The White House later confirmed that the medal is now in Trump’s possession.
Trump thanked Machado for the symbolic gift. On his social platform, he called her gesture “wonderful” and said he appreciated being recognized for work tied to Venezuelan freedom.
Supporters gathered outside the White House cheered Machado as she left after more than an hour of talks. She told them they could rely on Trump, and some in the crowd chanted, “Thank you, Trump.”
This meeting came during intense discussions about Venezuela’s future. The United States and other countries have pushed for democratic reform after years of political turmoil in Caracas. Machado has urged international backing for free elections and human rights, even as her political standing remains uncertain at home.
The Nobel award Machado received recognized her persistent work in the face of danger and political persecution. She has advocated for peaceful change and championed democratic rights despite threats from Venezuela’s government.
Trump previously sought the Nobel Peace Prize for himself, openly campaigning for it before the Nobel Committee chose Machado as the 2025 laureate. Machado’s decision to give him the medal reflected her public acknowledgment of his role in recent events affecting Venezuela.
While Trump accepted the medal, the Nobel Institute clarified the Peace Prize itself cannot be officially transferred or shared. The prize remains Machado’s in official terms, even as she gifted the medal to Trump in a formal setting.
White House officials praised Machado as a brave and inspiring voice for Venezuelans. They reiterated that U.S. views on Venezuela’s leadership and democratic path have not changed. Trump has previously expressed doubts about Machado’s domestic political support but continues to support democratic transition efforts.
Machado’s visit to Washington marks her first public engagement in the U.S. in months. She left Venezuela under threat and has lived under challenging conditions as she campaigns for international support for her cause.
In Washington, Machado also met lawmakers to discuss Venezuela’s political future and the need for credible elections. She pushed for sustained international pressure to secure a democratic outcome, even as debates continue over the most effective strategies to achieve lasting peace and freedom in her country.
Overall, her gesture at the White House underscored her commitment to building alliances and highlighting Venezuela’s struggle on the world stage. The symbolic handing over of her Nobel medal to Trump drew global attention to both her cause and the complex U.S.–Venezuela relationship.
