Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this past Thursday. She stated that she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal “in recognition of his unparalleled commitment to our freedom.”
As reported by the Associated Press (AP), both Machado and the White House have remained silent regarding whether Trump formally accepted the medal or if it was merely a symbolic gesture.
The Nobel Institute had previously clarified that Machado was not authorized to formally transfer or present the award, as AP reminded us.
The meeting, which was held behind closed doors and lasted over two hours, concluded without Machado taking questions from the media.
Outside, a crowd of Venezuelan supporters waved flags and held signs in support.
“We can count on President Trump,” Machado briefly commented as she left, with some attendees chanting “Thank you, Trump!”
This meeting signifies a notable moment in the intricate relationship between Trump and Machado.
Journalist David Alandete remarked on X that Machado aimed to draw a parallel with the historical event where General Lafayette presented Simón Bolívar with a medal bearing the likeness of George Washington, which Bolívar cherished as a symbol of the bond between the struggle for independence in America and the founding principles of the United States.
Machado further emphasized that her gesture symbolized the unity between defending freedom, rejecting tyranny, and a shared historical tradition, which she believes remains crucial for Venezuela’s future.
While Trump has praised efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela, he has expressed skepticism regarding Machado’s ability to lead the nation following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3rd.
During her time in Washington, Machado also visited the Capitol, engaging in a closed-door meeting with senators from both parties.
There she reiterated that she had presented her medal to Trump in acknowledgment of his role in the Venezuelan transition process.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described Machado as “a courageous and remarkable voice,” but emphasized that the meeting did not alter the president’s stance on Venezuela’s political situation.
Trump has expressed doubt about Machado’s ability to assume leadership due to internal opposition divisions and has shown willingness to work with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who has led the Venezuelan administration since Maduro's capture.
Machado’s visit coincided with a new U.S. operation in the Caribbean, where naval forces intercepted a tanker linked to the Venezuelan regime.
Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her role in the democratic resistance against Maduro's regime and her advocacy for human rights across Latin America.
María Corina Machado and U.S. Relations
What was the purpose of María Corina Machado's visit to the White House?
María Corina Machado visited the White House to meet with Donald Trump and presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to him as a symbolic recognition of his commitment to freedom.
Did Donald Trump accept the Nobel Peace Prize medal from Machado?
It has not been disclosed whether Trump formally accepted the Nobel Peace Prize medal from Machado, as neither party provided details on the acceptance.
How did the Nobel Institute respond to Machado's gesture?
The Nobel Institute had previously stated that Machado could not formally transfer or present her Nobel Prize to anyone.