On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during their meeting at the White House, calling it "a remarkable display of mutual respect."
"It was an incredible honor to meet María Corina Machado from Venezuela today. She is a wonderful woman who has endured so much. María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I've done. A remarkable display of mutual respect. Thank you, María!" Trump expressed on his official social media account.
Trump's statement came shortly after Machado announced that she had offered her Nobel medal to the U.S. president "in recognition of his commitment to freedom."
Machado's gesture is seen as a token of gratitude towards Trump for his administration's role in the Venezuelan transition process following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores on January 3rd during a U.S. military operation in Caracas.
In a brief statement following the meeting, Machado noted that her gesture acknowledged Trump's "unique commitment to freedom" and assured that Venezuelans "could count on President Trump."
The visit marked a turning point in the relationship between the two leaders. Although Trump had previously questioned Machado's ability to lead Venezuela's transition, he now publicly praised her, describing her as a "wonderful" woman who "has endured so much."
Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her role in the democratic resistance against Maduro's regime and her advocacy for human rights in Latin America.
The meeting occurred amid a redefinition of the United States' role in the region following Maduro's regime collapse and Delcy Rodríguez's assumption as interim president.
Trump, who has maintained phone contact with Rodríguez regarding bilateral issues, recently reiterated that his administration will continue to support "a free, stable, and democratic Venezuela."
Understanding Trump's Role in Venezuelan Transition
Why did María Corina Machado present her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump?
María Corina Machado offered her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump in recognition of his commitment to freedom and the role his administration played in the Venezuelan transition process.
What impact did Trump's administration have on Venezuela's political situation?
Trump's administration was instrumental in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, which marked a significant step in Venezuela's political transition towards a free and democratic regime.
Who is Delcy Rodríguez in the context of this article?
Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president of Venezuela following the collapse of Maduro's regime, marking a shift in the country's leadership.