Trump Hesitates to Back Machado After Nobel Prize, Report Says
Report reveals petty reason for Venezuela opposition rejection.
Uncertainty persists in Venezuela's political landscape following United States-led military operations and the apprehension of former President Nicolas Maduro. A recent Washington Post report disclosed that President Donald Trump harbors reservations about endorsing opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, attributing his stance to her receipt of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize—an accolade he had publicly coveted throughout the year for his claimed achievements in resolving multiple global conflicts.
Sources familiar with White House deliberations, speaking anonymously, described Machado's acceptance of the prize as a critical misstep. One individual termed it the "ultimate sin," while another suggested that declining the honor in deference to Trump could have positioned her as Venezuela's interim leader. The report highlights Trump's assertion that Machado, despite being a "nice woman," lacks substantial domestic backing and respect within the country.
Machado's prominence resurfaced amid the U.S. intervention, which resulted in Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores being transported from Caracas. As a leading opposition voice, she expressed support for the actions on social media, proclaiming the dawn of freedom and accountability for alleged crimes. Currently believed to be in Oslo after collecting her prize, Machado had endured over a year in concealment, escaping via a complex route involving disguises, maritime travel, and air transport.
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Trump's reluctance extends to broader governance plans, with recent statements emphasizing stabilization over immediate elections. He indicated potential further military measures if instability persists, aligning with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's view that electoral processes remain premature. This approach underscores a focus on restructuring rather than swift democratic transitions.
The episode illustrates intersecting dynamics of international recognition and geopolitical strategy, with Machado's Nobel achievement inadvertently complicating her prospects. As Venezuela navigates post-Maduro recovery, the absence of clear U.S. endorsement for key figures prolongs ambiguity regarding leadership and electoral timelines.
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