Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a private meeting at the White House. She described this act as a historic symbol of the shared fight for freedom between the two nations. Machado shared a historical anecdote with Trump, drawing a parallel to a gesture made by French General Marquis de Lafayette to Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolivar two centuries ago.
The meeting, held in the Private Dining Room of the White House, marked the first face-to-face encounter between Trump and Machado. Before the meeting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed the president’s anticipation for a positive and productive discussion. Leavitt praised Machado as a courageous and significant voice for many Venezuelans, highlighting Trump’s interest in understanding the situation in Venezuela.
During the meeting, Machado’s visit was seen as significant, given the ongoing political dynamics in Venezuela. Trump had earlier expressed doubts about Machado’s ability to lead Venezuela, questioning her support and respect within the country. Despite this, the administration has maintained communication with Venezuela’s interim leadership, acknowledging their cooperation on various fronts, including a substantial energy deal and the release of political detainees.
It is uncertain whether Trump officially accepted the Nobel medal, as the Nobel Institute has clarified that once awarded, the Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. Machado’s visit to the White House was followed by a bipartisan meeting with US senators on Capitol Hill, where her leadership and efforts for change in Venezuela were commended. Senators emphasized the need to ensure a democratic transition in Venezuela and cautioned against a mere shift from one authoritarian regime to another.
