Former U.S. President Donald Trump accepted a Nobel Peace Prize medal on Thursday from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado during a meeting at the White House, a
symbolic gesture aimed at highlighting Washington’s role in Venezuela’s political struggle.
According to a White House official, Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal as part of an effort to draw attention to U.S. influence over Venezuela’s future and to recognize Trump’s past involvement in international diplomacy. The official confirmed that Trump plans to keep the medal.
The exchange quickly drew attention online after Trump shared the moment on social media later that evening.
“Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done,” Trump wrote. “Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!”
Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, has been outspoken in seeking international support against the country’s long-standing political and economic crisis. The gesture underscored her appeal to U.S. leadership as Venezuela continues to face pressure for democratic reforms.
The meeting adds another chapter to Trump’s continued engagement with global political figures, even after leaving office, and highlights Venezuela’s ongoing efforts to rally international backing for political change. Photo by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), Wikimedia commons.