Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has given her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, saying it was a recognition of his commitment to her country's freedom.
I think today is a historic day for us Venezuelans, she said after meeting Trump in person for the first time. This pivotal meeting occurred weeks after U.S. forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and charged him in a drug-trafficking case.
Trump described Machado's gesture as a wonderful gesture of mutual respect, though the Nobel committee clarified that the prize itself is not transferable. The U.S. president has not formally endorsed Machado as Venezuela's new leader, despite her movement claiming victory in 2024's contested elections.
After their meeting, Trump expressed admiration for Machado, humorously noting that she has been through a lot, while also stating that he considers engaging with her significant.
On the steps of the White House, Machado addressed a gathering of supporters, affirming her confidence in Trump's support for her country's freedom by declaring, We can count on President Trump.
In a subsequent press conference, Machado reiterated her action as a token of gratitude representing the Venezuelan people's acknowledgment of Trump's support in their fight for liberty.
The meeting sparked discussions about the political engagement and support for the Venezuelan opposition's claims to govern after Maduro's removal. Trump’s administration's quick actions to realign Venezuela’s oil sector amid sanctions also raised critical discussions regarding economic and political recovery in the nation.
