Trump Hails 'Wonderful Gesture' as Machado Gifts Nobel Medal
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump in a symbolic show of gratitude.
In a striking diplomatic moment at the White House on January 15, 2026, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump. Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, described the gesture as recognition of Trump's "unique commitment" to her country's freedom. The meeting, which Machado called "historic" and "extraordinary," comes amid ongoing U.S. engagement in Venezuela's political crisis following the disputed 2024 elections and the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump responded enthusiastically on Truth Social, calling the act "such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect." He wrote, "It was my Great Honor to meet María Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today. María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!" The president also praised Machado as "a wonderful woman who has been through so much," highlighting the personal significance of the encounter. While the Nobel medal—a solid gold piece—changed hands, the Norwegian Nobel Committee quickly clarified that the prize itself cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.
The presentation carries deep symbolic weight. Machado has long dedicated her award to Trump, crediting his support for democratic movements in Venezuela. Her decision to gift the medal echoes historical gestures of solidarity, such as Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolívar receiving a medal from General Lafayette in the 19th century. Analysts view the move as an attempt by Machado to strengthen ties with the U.S. administration at a pivotal time for Venezuela's future.
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The event underscores Trump's long-standing interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has openly coveted. While the gesture does not confer official laureate status, it highlights the intersection of personal diplomacy and geopolitical strategy between the U.S. and Venezuela's opposition forces.
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