Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Gifts Trump Her Nobel Prize Amid Controversies
Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado presented her peace prize medal to US President Donald Trump, sparking a wave of controversy, debate, and confusion. Machado's gesture, which she described as a symbol of recognition for Trump's commitment to Venezuela's freedom, has been met with criticism, skepticism, and even ridicule.
Background and Context
Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for her opposition to the dictatorial regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. She has been vocal in her praise of Trump for his role in liberating the country from Maduro's rule. The medal presentation took place during Machado's visit to the White House, where she met with the President to discuss the future of Venezuela.
Key Developments and Details
During the meeting, Machado not only presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump but also suggested that he deserved it for his contributions. He deserves it,
Machado told Fox & Friends, crediting Trump for the historic work he did in liberating
Venezuela. Machado compared her gesture to when the Marquis de Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal featuring George Washington, symbolizing the partnership between the U.S. and Venezuela in their shared fight for freedom against tyranny.
However, the Nobel Peace Center was quick to clarify that a Nobel Peace Prize can neither be revoked, shared, nor transferred to others.
They emphasized that the prize remains inseparably linked to the person
who initially received it, regardless of what happens to the medal, diploma, or prize money.
Reactions and Implications
The move has been met with mixed reactions. While some support Machado's gesture, seeing it as a fitting tribute to Trump's efforts, others have criticized it as pandering and even mocked Machado for her actions. Social media users lampooned the move, calling it an act of 'pandering' to the US president.
The Nobel Institute also reacted, rejecting the idea that the prize could be shared or transferred. They reinforced that the decision to award a Nobel Prize is final and cannot be appealed. The Nobel Committee's stance has raised questions about the legitimacy of Trump's claim to the prize and has shaken some Norwegians' faith in their signature soft-power tool.
Current Status
Despite the controversies, Machado remains optimistic about her country's future. She told her supporters that they could count on Trump for backing democratic rule in Venezuela. However, Trump, who has repeatedly stated that he considers himself worthy of the medal, has so far given no indication of pushing for regime change. Whether Machado's gesture will have any impact on the situation in Venezuela remains to be seen.