Machado Presents Nobel Peace Prize Medal to Trump in U.S. Visit

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in Washington on January 15, calling the gesture a mark of recognition for his role in addressing Venezuela’s political crisis.

Machado, who received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her campaign advocating democratic change in Venezuela, said the presentation was symbolic and intended to acknowledge Trump’s support for what she described as efforts to restore democracy in the South American country. She did not say whether Trump formally accepted the medal or whether it would remain in his possession.

Images circulated on social media showing Trump holding a framed medal during the meeting. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has previously stated that Nobel medals and prizes are personal and cannot be transferred, reassigned, or shared, regardless of intent.

• Machado presents her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump in symbolic White House gesture
• Venezuelan Nobel laureate honors Trump for support on Venezuela amid political debate
• Nobel committee says Peace Prize title cannot be transferred despite Machado’s gift

The institute reiterated earlier this month that while recipients may display or lend their medals, the award itself remains solely attributed to the original laureate.

Machado has been living outside Venezuela after facing legal restrictions and political pressure in Venezuela. Her Nobel award elevated her international profile and reinforced her position as a central figure in the Venezuelan opposition movement against former president Nicolás Maduro and the ruling establishment.

During her U.S. visit, Machado also met lawmakers from both major parties, urging continued U.S. pressure on Venezuela and support for a negotiated political transition. She argued that sustained international support for democracy is necessary to secure free elections and the release of political prisoners.

Trump, who has taken a hard line on Venezuela during his previous presidency and since returning to office, has sent mixed signals on the country, combining criticism of past leadership with pragmatic engagement on energy and regional stability.

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The episode has drawn debate among observers, with supporters viewing the gesture as political symbolism, while critics question the appropriateness of linking a peace prize honor so directly to an active political leader.