Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, announced that she presented the award to Donald Trump during a meeting at the Oval Office. Initially expected to assume interim leadership in Venezuela after Trump’s recent intervention, Machado’s decision to offer her Nobel Prize to Trump seemed to have caused a shift in plans.
Following the invasion, Machado appeared on various US news channels, seemingly aiming to influence Trump’s decisions and secure her position as the temporary President. After the meeting, Machado confirmed that she handed her medal to Trump as a gesture of appreciation for his dedication to their freedom.
In a symbolic gesture, Machado drew parallels between the historical exchange of medals between General Lafayette, Simon Bolivar, and George Washington to highlight the longstanding bond between the US and Venezuela in their struggle for freedom. Trump, in an interview before the meeting, described Machado as a pleasant individual and expressed intentions to have a basic discussion with her.
However, Trump later expressed doubts about Machado’s suitability for leadership in Venezuela, citing lack of support and respect within the country. Reports of Machado planning to transfer the Nobel Prize to Trump prompted the Nobel Committee to clarify that the award is non-transferrable and final.
After the White House meeting, Machado interacted with supporters outside, expressing gratitude for their backing and affirming her trust in President Trump. She proceeded to Capitol Hill for a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators, engaging in individual greetings and discussions before engaging in closed-door sessions with the lawmakers.