Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting on Thursday, in a symbolic move aimed at influencing Washington’s role in shaping Venezuela’s political future.
A White House official confirmed that President Trump plans to keep the medal. In a post on social media, Trump thanked Machado, calling the gesture “a wonderful sign of mutual respect.”
Machado said the gift was meant to recognise what she described as Trump’s commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people, adding that the meeting was “excellent.”
The move comes as Machado seeks greater influence in US decision-making following the removal of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. Trump has previously dismissed the idea of installing Machado as Venezuela’s interim leader, citing limited domestic support.
Although Machado handed over the gold medal associated with the Nobel Prize, the honour itself remains hers. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.
The meeting marked the first in-person encounter between Machado and Trump and lasted just over an hour. Following the White House visit, Machado met with lawmakers from both major US political parties on Capitol Hill, where she has found broader political backing.
White House officials reiterated that while Trump welcomed the meeting, he maintains a “realistic” view of Venezuela’s political landscape and leadership prospects.
Machado, who fled Venezuela in December, continues to engage US leaders and international allies as Venezuela enters a new phase following Maduro’s capture, with renewed calls for democratic transition in the country.