Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday in a high‑profile encounter that could influence international efforts to shape the future of Venezuela after the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. The meeting marked the first in‑person discussion between the two leaders following Machado’s daring escape from Venezuela last month.
Read More: Machado hands Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump in symbolic gensture
During the private session, Machado made headlines by presenting Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal — a symbolic gesture she described as a “personal symbol of gratitude” to recognize what she called his decisive support for Venezuelan freedom and democratic aspirations. The White House shared images of Trump holding a framed medallion plaque, which praised his leadership and commitment. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has emphasised that Nobel Peace Prizes are non‑transferable and cannot be legally shared or reassigned.
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Donald Trump meets Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presented him a symbolic “Nobel Peace Prize.”
The gesture was made to thank Trump for his stance against the Maduro regime and support for “democracy” in Venezuela.
Politics or pure spectacle… pic.twitter.com/HPZcE9scXO
— Military Observer (@TheMilObserverr) January 16, 2026
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump had been looking forward to the meeting, describing it as positive and constructive, though he has previously expressed reservations about Machado’s political viability and influence inside Venezuela. Trump reiterated publicly that Machado “doesn’t have the support” in her home country to govern immediately but praised her courage and role as a voice for Venezuelans.
After leaving the White House, Machado also met with US senators on Capitol Hill, engaging lawmakers on Venezuela’s future and strengthening her profile among US policymakers. A Reuters photo caption noted her appearance at those meetings following the Oval Office talks.
Read More: Machado silent with Trump since October
Machado’s visit takes place against the broader backdrop of US policy, which has so far embraced acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez, formerly vice‑president under Maduro, as a partner in stabilisation while formal governance structures evolve. Machado’s efforts — including the unusual Nobel gesture — underscore her ongoing bid to remain central in Venezuelan political transition discussions.