Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Machado’s decision to present a Nobel Peace Prize medal to former U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on Thursday has ignited widespread debate and speculation.
President Trump acknowledged the gift on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of the work I have done. What a wonderful gesture, reflecting mutual respect. Thank you, Maria!”
The presentation occurred after Trump reportedly dismissed the idea of installing Machado as Venezuela’s leader, replacing the detained President Nicolas Maduro. Notably, Trump had actively campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize himself before Machado received it last year, expressing disappointment at not being selected.
Machado gifted Trump the gold medal awarded to Nobel laureates. However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute clarified that the prize itself remains Machado’s honor, stating that it cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.
The luncheon meeting, lasting approximately an hour, marked the first direct encounter between the two figures.
Online reactions to Machado’s gesture have been varied. Some commentators view it as a political maneuver aimed at bolstering Machado’s ambitions within the Venezuelan political landscape following Maduro’s detention. Others see it as a display of political negotiation tactics.
Critics suggest the move could set a historical precedent and contravene the traditions of the Nobel Foundation, which regards the prize as a personal honor that cannot be relinquished or used as a political tool. Supporters argue that the gesture conveys gratitude and support for the U.S. role in the Venezuelan matter, while also highlighting the nature of the alliance.
The implications of this event are still being discussed.
