Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado arrived at the White House on Thursday with an offering tailored to US President Donald Trump’s long-held fascination: a Nobel Peace Prize medal.
Machado, a prominent critic of Nicolás Maduro’s former government, received the award last year for her pro-democracy campaign. By presenting the medal during a high-profile Oval Office meeting, she appeared to be signaling gratitude — and, just as importantly, seeking clearer US support as Venezuela navigates its uncertain post-Maduro political future.
So far, that clarity hasn’t emerged.
After the meeting, Machado was photographed leaving the White House carrying a Trump-branded gift bag, while questions lingered about whether the encounter shifted Washington’s stance toward her bid to play a leading role in what comes next for Venezuela.
A symbolic gift, an uncertain outcome
Machado is one of two prominent figures contending for influence in a post-Maduro transition. Trump has opted to work with Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime political insider now serving as acting president — a choice that has unsettled many in Venezuela’s anti-Maduro camp.
The White House released a photo of Trump standing beside Machado and holding a large gold-framed display containing the medal and a dedication praising his “principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela.”
Trump later celebrated the gesture publicly, writing on Truth Social that Machado had presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize “for the work I have done,” calling it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”
The Oslo-based Nobel Peace Center quickly emphasized that while physical medals may change hands, the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred. “A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot,” the committee said on X.
The episode also drew criticism in Norway, where some lawmakers reacted sharply — particularly as Trump’s comments about a potential US takeover of Greenland have continued to generate controversy. Raymond Johansen, a former Oslo mayor with the ruling Labour Party, described the handover as deeply embarrassing and harmful. Kirsti Bergstø, leader of Norway’s Socialist Left Party, called it “absurd and meaningless,” according to Norwegian broadcaster TV2.
‘Very emotional moment’
In an interview with Fox News, Machado said giving the medal to Trump was “a very emotional moment,” arguing that he “deserved it.”
“It was a huge responsibility, because I did it on behalf of the Venezuelan people,” she said.
Machado also reiterated her political ambitions, saying she hopes to lead Venezuela through a peaceful transition.
“I want to serve my country,” she said. “I believe I will be elected when the right time comes, as President of Venezuela. The first woman president of Venezuela.”
She described the White House meeting as “historic” and “extraordinary,” adding that the US administration understood the need to rebuild Venezuela’s institutions and protect human rights and free speech.
Machado also maintained that Venezuela already has a president-elect: Edmundo González, the opposition candidate the US previously recognized after the country’s disputed 2024 election. Electoral authorities had declared Maduro the winner, but opposition leaders, the US, and international watchdogs raised concerns at the time about alleged irregularities. Maduro later remained in power until his abrupt capture by US special forces.
Trump’s position appears unchanged
Despite Washington’s earlier support for Machado and González, Trump did not publicly rally behind the opposition after Maduro’s capture. Instead, he shifted toward backing Rodríguez — a move that surprised many who had expected the US to elevate Venezuela’s opposition leadership.
Even with Machado’s upbeat framing of the visit, there is still no public indication she secured more than a photo opportunity and an official gift bag.
The Trump administration has repeatedly suggested it views Rodríguez as a steady, workable option. And as the meeting began Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt signaled Trump’s view of Machado remained the same.
She called Machado “a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela,” but added Trump continues to believe Machado lacks the support needed to lead the country.
“At this moment in time, his opinion on that matter has not changed,” Leavitt said.
