Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting, calling it a recognition of his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom.
Speaking after the meeting, Machado described the event as historic for Venezuelans, noting it was her first in-person encounter with Trump, weeks after U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and charged him with drug trafficking.
Trump called the gesture “a wonderful display of mutual respect,” though the Nobel Committee has clarified that the prize is not transferable. The U.S. president has not endorsed Machado as Venezuela’s new leader, continuing to engage with acting head of state Delcy Rodríguez. Trump described meeting Machado as “a great honor,” praising her resilience.
Outside the White House, Machado told supporters that she presented Trump with her medal, framing it as recognition for his “unique commitment with our freedom.” She drew a historical parallel to the Marquis de Lafayette gifting a medal of George Washington to Venezuelan founding father Simon Bolivar, calling her gift a modern symbol of brotherhood between Venezuela and the U.S. in the fight against tyranny.
During her Washington visit, Machado also met U.S. senators, despite being interrupted by supporters chanting “María, presidente” and waving Venezuelan flags. Her mission included urging Trump to reconsider backing Rodríguez’s interim government in favor of her opposition coalition.
The White House described Machado as a “remarkable and brave voice” for Venezuelans and said Trump anticipated a frank discussion about the realities in Venezuela. Machado’s actions were described by opposition figures as motivated by a commitment to Venezuela’s democratic transition rather than personal ambition.
Since Maduro’s capture on January 3, the U.S. has taken steps to reform Venezuela’s oil sector, completing a $500 million oil sale and seizing multiple tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. Additional military equipment, including 12 attack helicopters worth $997 million, is expected to be delivered by 2028, with further arms sales under consideration by Congress.
Venezuelan envoy close to Rodríguez is expected in Washington to begin discussions on reopening the Venezuelan embassy. Rodríguez reaffirmed her willingness to engage diplomatically with the U.S., emphasizing sovereignty and a firm but cooperative approach.
