Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Gifts her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday even as he has questioned her credibility to take over her country after the U.S. ousted President Nicolás Maduro.  The Nobel Institute has said Machado could not give her prize to Trump, an honor that he has coveted.    “I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado told reporters after leaving the White House and heading to Capitol Hill. She said she had done so “as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”  Even if it the gesture proves to be purely symbolic, it was extraordinary given that Trump has effectively sidelined Machado, who has long been the face of resistance in Venezuela. 

Trump above left, has signaled his willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, above3 right, who had been Maduro’s second in command.  Even if it the gesture proves to be purely symbolic, it was extraordinary given that Trump has effectively sidelined Machado, who has long been the face of resistance in Venezuela.  He has signaled his willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who had been Maduro’s second in command.  Trump confirmed later on social media that Machado had left the medal for him to keep, and he said it was an honor to meet her.  “She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done,” he wrote. “Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you María!” 

Trump has raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in Venezuela, giving no timetable on when elections might be held. Machado indicated that he had provided few specifics on that front during their discussion.  She did not provide more information on what was said.  Trump has previously dismissed Machado’s credibility to take over leadership of Venezuela, despite her seeking to cultivate relationships with the president and key administration voices.  While the visit was ‍ongoing, White House press secretary Karoline ⁠Leavitt said Trump had been looking forward to meeting Machado, but that ​he stood by his “realistic” assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country in the short term. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace