WASHINGTON DC: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, describing the gesture as a tribute to what she called his commitment to freedom for her country.
After the event, Machado called the day historic for Venezuelans, marking her first in-person meeting with Trump. The White House meeting came soon after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, and Machado said she offered the medal as a sign of appreciation for Trump’s perceived support.
Trump took to social media to praise Machado’s gesture as “a wonderful show of mutual respect,” but the Norwegian Nobel Institute reiterated that the Peace Prize itself is non-transferable and that Machado remains the official laureate, BBC reported.
Despite her effort to align with Trump, he has not endorsed her as Venezuela’s next leader following disputed elections, instead engaging with Delcy Rodríguez, who is serving as acting head of state.
After leaving the White House, Machado spoke to supporters outside, telling them they could rely on President Trump. She later told journalists that presenting her Nobel medal to Trump was meant to honor his “unique commitment” to Venezuelan freedom.
(Inputs from BBC)
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