In a politically charged gesture with profound diplomatic implications, Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to former U.S. President Donald Trump during a private meeting at the White House on Thursday. The encounter marked the first face-to-face discussion between the two controversial figures since U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Machado characterized the event as “a historic day for us Venezuelans” while addressing supporters outside the presidential residence. She later informed journalists in English that she had offered the prestigious award to Trump as “a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.” The opposition leader drew historical parallels to a military general from America’s Revolutionary War who allegedly gifted a medal to Simón Bolívar, the foundational figure of modern Venezuela.
The Trump administration’s current approach toward Venezuela appears increasingly complex. Despite previously describing Machado as a “freedom fighter,” the former president has notably declined to endorse her movement’s claim to leadership following the widely contested 2024 elections. Instead, diplomatic channels have opened with acting head of state Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president, whom Trump recently praised on social media as “a terrific person” after their telephone conversation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized Machado as “a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela” before the meeting, noting that Trump anticipated “a frank and positive discussion” regarding ground realities in the South American nation.
Meanwhile, the administration has moved decisively to reshape Venezuela’s oil sector, completing its first $500 million sale of previously sanctioned Venezuelan crude. Concurrently, a Venezuelan government envoy prepared to travel to Washington to initiate steps toward reopening the country’s embassy, signaling potential normalization of diplomatic relations.
Rodríguez delivered her annual Message to the Nation speech in Caracas, expressing willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions with the United States while maintaining national dignity. “If I ever have to go to Washington as acting president, I will do so standing tall, walking, and not crawling,” she declared, urging her compatriots to embrace diplomacy without fear.