Trump Claims Nobel Winner Honoured Him for Peace Efforts
Venezuelan opposition leader dedicates Nobel Peace Prize to Trump.
Former US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, dedicated her award to him. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Machado called him to express that she accepted the prize "in honour" of his contributions, particularly for aiding Venezuela during its crises. "I didn't say, 'Give it to me,'" Trump clarified, adding, "I've been helping her along the way. I am happy because I saved millions of lives."
Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights and foster a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her as a "brave and committed champion of peace," highlighting her work to keep democracy alive amid growing authoritarianism.
Trump, who had anticipated receiving the prize for his claimed role in "ending seven wars," including conflicts in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Serbia, Israel, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Congo, expressed disappointment. He specifically mentioned the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating, "They said, 'If you stop Russia and Ukraine, sir, you should get the Nobel.' I said I stopped seven wars. That's one war, and that's a big one."
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also endorsed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, posting on X, "Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize - he deserves it!"
The Nobel Committee emphasized the global decline in democratic freedoms, noting that Machado's work represents a beacon of hope. "Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace," the Committee stated, pointing to increasing authoritarianism and the repression of free media and critics worldwide. They highlighted that 2024 saw more elections than ever, but fewer were free and fair.
The Committee lauded Machado for embodying the tools of democracy as tools of peace, meeting all three criteria in Alfred Nobel's will for the Peace Prize. Her recognition underscores her role as a symbol of hope for a future where citizens' fundamental rights are protected, and their voices are heard.
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