Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado praised President Donald Trump’s “unique commitment” to freedom on Thursday, presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. The exchange took place following a White House meeting that Machado described as positive and productive. She told reporters that she had physically presented the medal to the President, though she did not specify if he kept it.
The gift addresses a long-standing grievance of the President, who has often complained about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Machado’s gesture, while symbolic, provides him with the physical embodiment of the award. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee was quick to point out that the honor itself is non-transferable and remains with Machado.
To give the moment historical weight, Machado referenced the Marquis de Lafayette and Simon Bolivar. She explained that the gift was a way for the people of Bolivar to give back to the United States after 200 years, honoring Trump as the successor to George Washington. This narrative attempts to bind the U.S. and Venezuelan freedom movements together.
This diplomatic overture comes despite Trump’s skepticism regarding Machado. He has previously labeled her unfit for leadership and questioned her level of support within Venezuela. Concurrently, Trump has vowed to work with interim president Delcy Rodriguez, using threats of force to secure advantages for U.S. oil companies, revealing a complex dual-track policy.
Machado ignored these tensions in her public remarks, focusing instead on the alliance. She stated, “We are counting on President Trump for freedom in Venezuela,” and asserted that the President cares deeply about the humanitarian crisis. Her actions suggest a strategy of flattery and historical appeal to win over the reluctant U.S. President.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Credits Trump’s “Unique Commitment” with Nobel Gift
