President Donald Trump received an unexpected gesture of recognition on March 14, 2024, when María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize during a meeting at the White House. Machado, who won the award in 2023 for her efforts to promote democracy in Venezuela, described the gesture as a unique acknowledgment of Trump’s commitment to freedom.
In her remarks to reporters, Machado stated, “I presented the prize to Trump as a unique recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom.” Trump, who has publicly expressed his desire for the Nobel Prize in the past, responded on social media, thanking Machado for the gesture. “María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done,” he wrote. “Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you María!”
Trump has previously claimed that he deserves the Nobel Prize, citing his administration’s role in ending several conflicts. He has also been vocal in criticizing Nobel officials for not recognizing his contributions to international peace efforts. Machado is among those seeking leadership in Venezuela following the U.S. operation that ousted former President Nicolás Maduro earlier in January 2024.
As the political landscape in Venezuela continues to evolve, Trump has supported Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, as acting president, despite her connections to the Maduro regime. Following Machado’s presentation of the award to Trump, the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Center reiterated that Nobel medals cannot be shared or transferred, emphasizing the strict rules governing the prize.
While Trump has previously described Machado as a “freedom fighter,” he has resisted the idea of appointing her to lead Venezuela, arguing that she lacks sufficient domestic support. Following the military operation that resulted in Maduro’s ousting, Trump indicated that the U.S. would maintain a significant role in Venezuela for the foreseeable future. Maduro is currently facing serious charges of narco-terrorism in the United States.
Machado’s gesture and the subsequent responses from Trump and the Nobel Peace Center highlight the complex interplay of international politics and personal recognition. The dynamics surrounding the U.S. involvement in Venezuela and the ongoing struggle for democracy in the region continue to attract global attention.
