Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, handed over the award to Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office today.
Initially, there were expectations that Machado, an opposition figure from Venezuela, would assume leadership in the country following Trump’s recent intervention, which led to the removal of Nicolas Maduro, the dictator.
However, it was reported that Trump’s enthusiasm waned because Machado did not explicitly decline her Nobel Prize and offer it to him in return, despite making positive remarks about him. Since the intervention, Machado has been making sporadic appearances on American news channels, seemingly in an attempt to sway the U.S. president’s opinion and secure her position as an interim leader.
After their meeting, Machado stated that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as a gesture of appreciation for his unwavering dedication to their freedom. She drew a historical parallel, likening the act to General Lafayette giving a medal to Simon Bolivar with George Washington’s likeness, symbolizing unity in the struggle against tyranny.
In a pre-meeting interview, Trump described Machado as a pleasant individual whom he had seen on television, indicating that their discussion would focus on fundamental issues. However, shortly after the U.S. assumed control of Venezuela, Trump expressed doubts about Machado’s leadership capabilities, citing a lack of support and respect within the nation.
Amid rumors that Machado planned the award handover as a publicity stunt, the Nobel Committee clarified that the prize is not transferable once awarded, emphasizing its irrevocable nature.
Following her meeting with Trump, Machado left the White House and interacted briefly with a group of supporters outside, receiving cheers and hugs. She assured them of Trump’s support and later proceeded to Capitol Hill for a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators, where she engaged with lawmakers individually, including offering hugs to some, like Republican Senator Ted Cruz.
Machado also posed for photos with the group before engaging in closed-door discussions with them.