WASHINGTON: The Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, a move widely seen as an effort to influence Washington’s approach to Venezuela’s political future.
In this sense, Trump intends to keep the medal. In a social media post later that evening, the president described the gesture as a sign of “mutual respect,” thanking Machado for what he called a thoughtful presentation.
Machado said the meeting, which lasted just over an hour and included a private lunch, was “excellent.” She explained that the gift was meant to recognise Trump’s commitment to what she described as the freedom and democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people.
Furthermore, the Nobel Peace Prize itself remains with Machado. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has previously stated that the award cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked, even if the physical medal is given to another individual.
Machado’s outreach comes at a sensitive moment. Trump has publicly dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuela’s leader following the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
Machado held discussions with more than a dozen US senators from both parties on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found stronger political support.
However, the White House maintained a cautious tone. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was realistic about Machado’s current political standing and did not believe she had sufficient domestic backing to lead Venezuela in the near term.
Machado, who fled Venezuela in December through a dramatic sea escape, is competing for influence with members of the current Venezuelan government.
Meanwhile, democratic Senator Chris Murphy said Machado warned lawmakers that repression inside Venezuela continues under interim President Delcy Rodriguez, whom Trump has publicly praised as “very good to deal with.”
Murphy expressed scepticism about the likelihood of free and fair elections.
Trump has said his priorities include securing US access to Venezuela’s oil resources and supporting economic recovery. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has signalled openness to diplomacy with Washington and reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, even as critics question the pace and sincerity of political change.
