Trump Accepts Nobel Medal From Venezuela’s Machado in White House Meeting

US President Donald Trump accepted a Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado during a meeting at the White House on Thursday. The gesture was symbolic and linked to ongoing political developments in Venezuela.

Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her campaign for democracy and political freedoms in Venezuela. During the meeting, she presented her medal to Trump as a sign of appreciation for what she described as his support for the Venezuelan people.

Symbolic Gesture, Not a Transfer of the Prize

Officials later clarified that while Trump accepted the medal itself, the Nobel Peace Prize legally remains Machado’s award. Nobel rules do not allow prizes to be transferred to another person.

Trump later shared a message on social media thanking Machado for the gesture. He said the medal represented “mutual respect” and denied that he had asked for the honour.

Focus on Venezuela’s Future

Machado described the meeting as positive but did not release details. She said the gesture reflected gratitude for international attention on Venezuela’s political situation.

Venezuela has faced major unrest in recent months following economic pressure, political arrests, and leadership disputes. The situation worsened after former president Nicolás Maduro was captured earlier this month, creating uncertainty about the country’s direction.

US Position Remains Unclear

While opposition groups hope for democratic reforms, Trump has signalled that his main concerns are regional stability, economic recovery, and energy interests, including access to Venezuela’s large oil reserves.

After the White House meeting, Machado held discussions with US lawmakers in Congress. She reportedly received support across party lines, though doubts remain about how quickly Venezuela can move toward political stability.

Mixed Reactions

Supporters of Machado praised the gesture as a powerful symbol of global support. Critics, however, questioned whether the move could blur political lines or weaken the neutrality of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Despite the debate, both sides stressed that the meeting highlighted the international focus on Venezuela during a critical moment in its history.