Why did a Nobel Peace Prize end up in Trump’s hands? Inside María Corina Machado’s surprising White House moment
Machado presents Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump at White House. Image Credit: Daniel Torok/the White House/via Reuters
In a moment that stunned diplomats, activists, and global observers alike, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado revealed that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a closed-door meeting at the White House on Thursday.
The gesture, described by Machado as symbolic recognition of Trump’s role in Venezuela’s political upheaval, immediately ignited debate over the meaning, ownership, and political use of the world’s most prestigious peace award.
What Happened Inside the White House
Speaking to reporters after leaving the White House, Machado confirmed that she left the Nobel medal with Trump as a personal gesture of gratitude.
“I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize, as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom,” she said.
Trump later confirmed the exchange on social media, calling it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect” and praising Machado’s resilience. The White House subsequently released a photograph showing Trump holding the framed medal in the Oval Office, accompanied by a plaque describing it as a symbol of gratitude from the Venezuelan people.
The Nobel Institute, however, has previously stated that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred, underscoring that the act was symbolic rather than legal.
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Why the Gesture Matters Politically
The exchange came at a delicate moment in U.S.–Venezuela relations. While Trump’s administration recently oversaw the capture and extradition of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the president has publicly questioned Machado’s ability to govern, casting doubt on her political future.
Despite Machado being internationally recognized as the face of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, and widely believed to have won the disputed 2024 election, Trump has signaled openness to working with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, a former Maduro ally now overseeing day-to-day governance.
This contradiction made Machado’s Nobel gesture all the more striking.
From Nobel Laureate to Political Uncertainty
Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her leadership in mobilizing millions of Venezuelans against authoritarian rule and enduring more than 11 months in hiding before resurfacing in Norway for the ceremony, where her daughter accepted the prize on her behalf.
Her Washington visit marked her first major public appearance since the award, and she was greeted by cheering supporters outside the White House, telling them, “We can count on President Trump,” though she offered no specifics.
Behind the scenes, U.S. officials emphasized that the meeting did not represent an endorsement of Machado as Venezuela’s next leader.
What Trump Has, and Hasn’t, Promised
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Machado as “a remarkable and brave voice” but stressed that Trump’s skepticism remains unchanged.
Trump has offered no timetable for democratic elections in Venezuela, and senators who met with Machado afterward confirmed that no concrete commitments were made.
Sen. Chris Murphy warned that without progress toward elections or a power transition, the situation could deteriorate further, calling Rodríguez “in many ways worse than Maduro.”
The Nobel Peace Prize and Its Symbolism
The Nobel Peace Prize is traditionally associated with moral authority rather than political leverage, making Machado’s decision to symbolically hand her medal to a sitting U.S. president unprecedented in recent history.
While supporters see the act as a bold diplomatic signal, critics argue it risks politicizing a prize meant to transcend power politics, especially amid ongoing uncertainty about Venezuela’s future governance.
A Powerful Image, Unanswered Questions
Machado’s Nobel gesture has created one of the most visually and politically powerful moments of Trump’s presidency, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about legitimacy, symbolism, and who truly controls Venezuela’s path forward.
For now, the medal remains framed in the Oval Office, while Venezuela’s future remains unresolved.
FAQ
Can a Nobel Peace Prize be given to someone else?
No. The Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred. Machado’s gesture was symbolic only.
Why did María Corina Machado give her Nobel medal to Trump?
She said it was a personal gesture recognizing Trump’s role in Venezuela’s political changes and his support for freedom.
Did Trump receive a Nobel Peace Prize?
No. Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He was symbolically presented with Machado’s medal.
Does Trump support Machado as Venezuela’s leader?
Not fully. While Trump praised her courage, he has publicly questioned her political support inside Venezuela.
What happens next in Venezuela?
Despite Maduro’s removal, interim authorities remain in place, and no election timeline has been announced.