Trump Accepts Nobel Peace Prize Medal From Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump accepted the Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado during a meeting at the White House, a move that quickly drew global attention.

According to Dawn and The Express Tribune, Machado personally handed over her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as a symbolic gesture of thanks. She praised Trump for what she called his “strong support” for democracy and freedom in Venezuela, saying the medal was meant to honor his role in backing the Venezuelan opposition against former leader Nicolás Maduro.

Trump later shared the moment on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the gesture “a great honor” and thanking Machado for her recognition. White House officials confirmed that Trump plans to keep the medal.

However, the Nobel Committee has made it clear that Nobel prizes cannot be transferred or shared. Machado remains the official Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the medal does not change the formal record. The handover was symbolic, not legal.

The meeting marked the first face-to-face discussion between Trump and Machado. It came at a time when Machado is seeking international support after being barred from Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. Despite opposition claims that her camp won the vote, she was forced into exile following political pressure at home, Tribune reported.

Trump’s acceptance of the medal also reflects his long-standing interest in the Nobel Peace Prize. Over the years, he has openly spoken about wanting the award and has said his diplomatic efforts were overlooked by the Nobel Committee.

After meeting Trump, Machado visited Capitol Hill to speak with US lawmakers and push for stronger backing for Venezuela’s democratic movement. Still, White House sources suggested Trump remains cautious about her political future, saying he believes she does not yet have enough broad support to lead a national transition.

The event took place amid ongoing US involvement in Venezuela, where power has shifted under new leadership with Washington’s quiet acceptance. Analysts say the medal moment highlights the complicated politics surrounding Venezuela’s future and the role global powers continue to play.

While largely symbolic, the unusual exchange has sparked debate worldwide, raising questions about political recognition, influence, and the meaning of international awards in modern diplomacy.

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