Maria Corina Machado Presents Nobel Medal to Trump

María Corina Machado, a leader of the Venezuelan opposition, has attracted worldwide attention. She announced on Thursday that she gave her medal of the Nobel Peace Prize to former President of the United States, Donald Trump. It was during a private meeting with him in the White House. The symbolic gesture has captured attention as U.S. policy changes towards Venezuela. It continues to be widely reported in recent news updates from Washington and Latin America.

A Representative Gesture from Trump

After her meeting on January 16, 2026, Machado informed reporters that she gave Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize medal to him. It is to demonstrate her thanks for what she called his “special dedication” to the liberation of Venezuela. Trump later tweeted to his followers saying that Machado gave him this medal because it was, “a wonderful act of mutual respect.”

The Nobel Institute has stated that the Nobel award itself cannot be transferred. This makes the act mostly symbolic. However, this action is seen as meaningful in light of Trump’s past public statements regarding Machado’s qualifications to be president of Venezuela.

“We Can Trust President Trump”

As Machado was leaving the White House, she was greeted by enthusiastic supporters on the outside of the fence. She embraced countless individuals saying, “We can trust President Trump.” The audience began chanting ‘Thank You, Trump’ after hearing her comments. However, she did not offer any specifics regarding the guarantees that she may have received.

Machado had maintained a relatively low-key public appearance prior to this last week. She was in hiding for nearly a year in Venezuela before travelling to Norway for her daughter. She also won a Nobel Peace Prize during that time.

The situation in Venezuela remains complicated politically.

Despite the joyous occasion, the political situation in Venezuela continues to be volatile. With Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who was formerly Nicolás Maduro’s deputy. Now in charge of day-to-day governance.

In her inaugural State of the Union style address, Rodríguez called for renewing diplomatic relations between the U.S and Venezuela, as well as encouraging foreign investment into the oil industry in Venezuela.

Trump has questioned whether Machado will have enough support in Venezuela. The White House also echoed this statement, saying Machado was “an extraordinary and courageous voice”. Also the President’s opinion regarding Machado’s potential as a leader has not changed.

Absence of Concrete Pledge on Elections

Leavitt voiced that Machado had a meeting with Trump that was around two and-a-half hours long. During which the two had an “open and constructive conversation” regarding Venezuela’s situation. However, she failed to give an exact timeline on the elections and said Trump supports them “when the time is right.”

Senator Chris Murphy met with Machado later at the Capitol. She said that she warned Congress that unless there are concrete signs of elections or a transition of power happening soon, things may continue to get worse. Murphy also stated that Machado did not receive any concrete commitment from the White House about a date for the elections.

US Actions Increase Pressure on Venezuela

While Machado was in Washington, the US was increasing its action against Venezuela. Recently, US Forces captured yet another oil tanker that is under sanctions against Venezuela as part of a broader campaign against Venezuelan crude shipments. This was after the shocking arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, both of whom now face charges of drug trafficking in New York.

The Trump Administration has noted that the leaders of the temporary government in Venezuela are working together and has praised the release of several people in jail, including five Americans this week.

The Long Road to Dissenting Politics

Machado has played a major role in the Venezuelan opposition since 2004, trained as an industrial engineer. She gained international attention when she stood up to Hugo Chávez, and she mobilized millions of people through her campaign against Maduro during the disputed 2024 presidential election, which observers around the world believe she won.

While the Nobel Peace Prize increased Machado’s status on the world stage, her meeting with Trump underscores the difference between symbolic endorsements and real political support, leaving Venezuela’s future uncertain despite what is happening globally.