Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado arrived at the White House on Thursday carrying a highly symbolic gift—one closely associated with a long-held aspiration of former U.S. President Donald Trump: a Nobel Peace Prize medal.
The medal, which Machado herself received last year for her campaign to strengthen democracy, was presented to Trump as a gesture of recognition. However, the symbolic offering failed to yield the political backing Machado had hoped for, particularly Washington’s explicit support in the post-Maduro leadership contest in Venezuela.
According to U.S. media outlet CNN, Machado had expected the gesture to translate into tangible diplomatic gains. Instead, her visit concluded without any clear indication of a shift in U.S. policy. As she exited the White House, Machado was seen posing for photographs holding a gift bag bearing the Trump brand—an image that underscored the ceremonial nature of the meeting rather than its political substance.
Although Machado is widely regarded as a key contender in Venezuela’s post-Maduro political landscape, Trump has continued to back former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s interim president. Rodríguez’s perceived closeness to the ruling establishment has surprised many within the anti-Maduro opposition.
A photograph released by the White House shows Machado standing beside Trump, who is holding a large gold-framed plaque displaying the Nobel medal along with a dedication. The inscription praises Trump’s “principled and resolute actions” in support of Venezuela’s liberation.
Trump later posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that Machado had gifted him her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts. He described the exchange as a sign of mutual respect.
Shortly afterward, however, the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Center clarified that Nobel medals cannot be shared or transferred. In a statement, the Nobel Committee emphasized that while physical ownership of a medal may change, the status of being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate is strictly non-transferable.
Machado, for her part, characterized the meeting as positive. She said the Trump administration demonstrated an understanding of the need to rebuild Venezuelan institutions, protect human rights and freedom of expression, and ensure a genuinely democratic electoral process. She argued that such steps could encourage Venezuelans living abroad to return home.
She also reiterated her claim that Venezuela already has a president-elect—Edmundo González—who was recognized by the United States following the disputed 2024 election. Venezuela’s electoral authorities, however, declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of that vote, prompting allegations of fraud from opposition leaders as well as criticism from the U.S. and international observers.
Despite Machado’s optimistic remarks, CNN reported that beyond a photo opportunity and a White House gift bag, it remains unclear what concrete outcomes her visit achieved.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump’s assessment of Machado has not changed. She said the president viewed her as a courageous voice for many Venezuelans and had expected a positive discussion. At the same time, Leavitt reiterated Trump’s belief that Machado lacks the necessary support to lead Venezuela.
Source: CNN