Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting on Thursday, in a move aimed at influencing Washington’s approach to her country’s political future.
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Machado described the meeting as “excellent” and said the gift was offered in recognition of what she called Trump’s commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. A White House official later confirmed that the president intended to keep the medal.
Trump, who has long expressed interest in winning the prestigious prize, posted on social media that Machado had presented him with her medal for the “work I have done,” calling the exchange a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”
President Donald J. Trump meets with María Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/v7pYHjVNVO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 16, 2026
However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute has reiterated that the Nobel Peace Prize is non-transferable, noting that while recipients may give away the gold medal itself, the honour remains solely with the laureate.
The meeting came amid mounting political maneuvering over Venezuela’s future following Washington’s capture of former president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. Machado, who fled the country in December, has been seeking to persuade Trump that she should play a central role in shaping a democratic transition.
Despite the cordial tone, Trump has publicly questioned whether Machado has the necessary support to lead in the short term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed that view, calling the president’s stance “realistic.” Machado later held talks with more than a dozen US senators, including members of both parties, who have generally been more receptive to her.
Senator Chris Murphy said Machado had warned that political repression remained unchanged under interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed power following Maduro’s capture. While opposition figures and international advocates hope Venezuela is now moving toward democratisation, analysts note that challenges remain significant.
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Trump has signalled interest in securing access to Venezuela’s oil reserves and supporting economic reconstruction as Washington weighs its next steps.