On Friday, October 10, US President Donald Trump engaged in a conversation with Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition figure recently honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, shortly after his administration openly expressed disapproval of her receiving the accolade.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee declared that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize would be awarded to Machado in recognition of her relentless advocacy for democratic freedoms and her commitment to facilitating a peaceful and equitable transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in Venezuela.
During a late-night briefing with the press, President Trump confirmed the phone call with Machado, describing her as “very kind.”
He recounted, “The laureate herself reached out to me today and said, ‘I accept this award on your behalf because you truly earned it.'”
With a touch of humor, Trump added, “That was a very gracious gesture. I didn’t ask her to hand it over to me, though I suspect she might have considered it. She was very gracious.”
Having peace-plan/” title=”Israel and Hamas agree to implement ……s … plan”>long sought the Nobel Prize, Trump also mentioned his role in supporting Machado’s efforts, hinting that the award might indirectly acknowledge his 2024 presidential campaign. He remarked, “One could interpret this as recognition for ’24, since I was campaigning that year.” Machado, who confirmed their exchange, has previously expressed appreciation for Trump’s backing.
Earlier the same day, the White House had issued a critical response to the Nobel Committee’s announcement, which many interpreted as a slight against Trump despite his recent diplomatic initiatives.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung took to social media to assert, “The Nobel Committee has shown that they prioritize politics over genuine peace.” Echoing this sentiment, Trump’s special envoy to Venezuela, Richard Grenell, declared, “The Nobel Prize lost its meaning years ago.”
Despite the administration’s official stance, Machado publicly dedicated her Nobel Prize to President Trump. In a social media statement, she wrote, “I dedicate this honor to the resilient people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his unwavering support of our cause!”
This award underscores the intricate dynamics between the United States and the Venezuelan opposition. Machado, who has been forced into hiding amid a severe crackdown by President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, has been a vocal advocate for democracy, championing “votes instead of violence.”
Her nomination received backing from prominent figures within the US government. In a letter dated November 2024, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other legislators praised Machado’s “brave and selfless leadership, along with her steadfast commitment to peace and democratic principles,” deeming her a highly deserving candidate for the prestigious prize.
Nonetheless, some analysts interpret the Nobel Committee’s emphasis on nonviolent democratic activism as a subtle critique of US policies, particularly the administration’s military presence in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug trafficking-a campaign viewed by some as an effort to forcibly remove Venezuela’s leader.
President Trump’s remarks followed his public expression of gratitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, who earlier questioned the Nobel Committee’s selections. Without mentioning Machado by name, Putin stated, “I’m uncertain whether the current US president merits the Nobel Prize, but he is indeed making significant efforts to resolve long-standing, complex conflicts.”
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