Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, describing the move as a symbolic gesture recognizing Trump’s support for the Venezuelan people. The meeting took place in Washington.

Machado said the gesture reflected Trump’s “unique commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people.” Trump, in a social media post following the meeting, described the act as “a wonderful sign of mutual respect” and thanked Machado.

“A Historic Day for Venezuelans”

Meeting Trump face to face for the first time, Machado spoke to reporters after leaving the White House and described the moment as historic for her country.

I believe today is a historic day for us Venezuelans. Maria Corina Machado

According to the Associated Press, Machado later addressed supporters gathered outside the White House in Spanish, saying, “We can trust President Trump.” She explained that presenting the Nobel medal was meant as “recognition of his unparalleled commitment to our freedom.”

Following Machado’s remarks, the Nobel Committee reiterated that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred. In a statement, the committee emphasized that once awarded, a Nobel Prize “cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred. The decision is final and permanent.”

The Nobel Peace Center also stated on social media that “a medal may change hands, but the title of the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred.”

Although Trump has previously referred to Machado as a “freedom fighter,” he declined to recognize her as Venezuela’s new leader following the disputed 2024 elections. Instead, the Trump administration has continued diplomatic engagement with former vice president Delcy Rodriguez.

Trump described his meeting with Machado as “a great honor,” while referring to Rodríguez as “a tremendous person” in a separate social media post.

On January 3, U.S. authorities detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas and transferred him to New York, where he is now facing drug trafficking charges. Following this development, the Trump administration accelerated efforts to restructure Venezuela’s oil sector under U.S. sanctions. A U.S. official confirmed that the first Venezuelan oil sale worth $500 million was completed this week.

According to The New York Times, a special envoy from the Venezuelan government is expected to travel to Washington to meet U.S. officials and take steps toward reopening Venezuela’s embassy. The envoy is reported to be close to Rodríguez.

In a national address on January 14, Rodríguez said she was ready to travel to Washington, stating that diplomacy with the United States should not be feared.