Washington: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump
as a gesture recognising what she described as his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom. Speaking to reporters after meetings in Washington, Machado said she handed over the medal but did not clarify whether Trump accepted it. The White House offered no immediate confirmation.
Trump, in a social media post, wrote, “Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!”
President Donald J. Trump meets with María Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/v7pYHjVNVO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 16, 2026
The White House has shared a photo of Machado presenting her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, who is smiling while holding a large, gold-framed plaque. The message on the plaque reads, “To President Donald J. Trump, In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace Through Strength, Advancing Diplomacy, and Defending Liberty and Prosperity. The Nobel Peace Prize Medal Awarded to Maria Corina Machado Presented as a Personal Symbol of Gratitude on Behalf of the Venezuelan People In Recognition of President Trump’s Principled and
Decisive Action to Secure a Free Venezuela. The Courage of America and its President Donald J. Trump Will Never Be Forgotten by the Venezuelan People. – Maria Corina Machado, Washington DC, January 15, 2026.”
While Machado handed Trump her gold medal, the honour itself remains solely hers, as the Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred, shared or revoked.
Machado met Trump to discuss Venezuela’s political future, despite the US president having publicly questioned her ability to lead the country following a dramatic US military operation that resulted in the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro. The visit carried personal risk for Machado, who has largely remained in hiding since briefly being detained in Caracas last year.
After a closed-door meeting at the White House, Machado emerged to greet cheering supporters gathered nearby, hugging many of them. Machado then met US lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including senators.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described Machado as a “brave and remarkable voice” but said the meeting did not signal a change in Trump’s assessment of her political standing. Trump has argued that Machado lacks sufficient support within her country, despite claims that her coalition won Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election.
When asked on Wednesday whether he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters, “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Trump has long shown interest in receiving the award and has occasionally linked it to diplomatic efforts.
