Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said she presented the medal she received for winning the Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump during a private meeting at the White House on Thursday, though she did not confirm whether he accepted it.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting — the first in-person encounter between the two — Machado described the moment as deeply significant for her country. “I think today is a historic day for us Venezuelans,” she said.
In the weeks following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces in Caracas earlier this month, Trump has stopped short of formally endorsing Machado as Venezuela’s new leader, despite her movement claiming victory in the country’s highly disputed 2024 elections. Instead, the US administration has been working with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president, who is now serving as acting head of state.
After leaving the White House, Machado addressed supporters gathered outside the gates, telling them in Spanish — according to the Associated Press — “We can count on President Trump.”
Later, speaking in English to journalists, Machado said: “I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize,” describing it as “a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”
It remains unclear whether Trump accepted the medal. The former president, who has frequently expressed his desire to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, had previously voiced dissatisfaction when the award was given to Machado, who accepted the honour last year. Machado had said last week that she intended to share the prize with Trump, though the Nobel Committee later clarified that the award is not transferable.
During her remarks, Machado referenced a historical parallel, recounting the story of an American military general from the Revolutionary War who presented a medal to Simón Bolívar, one of the founding fathers of modern Venezuela.
According to Machado, that medal symbolised “the brotherhood between the United States, the people of the United States, and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny.”
“Two hundred years in history,” she said, “the people of Bolívar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal — in this case, a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize — as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”
While in Washington, Machado also visited Congress, meeting with US senators. Her comments to reporters outside Capitol Hill were frequently interrupted by supporters chanting “María, presidente” and waving Venezuelan flags.
Machado was expected to use her meeting with Trump to argue that US support for Rodríguez’s interim government was misplaced, and that her opposition coalition should be leading Venezuela’s political transition.
As the meeting took place, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Machado is “a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela.”
“The president was looking forward to this meeting and expecting a frank and positive discussion,” Leavitt said. “He wants to hear directly from Ms Machado about the realities on the ground in Venezuela and what is taking place in the country.”
Trump has previously referred to Machado as a “freedom fighter,” but has rejected the idea of appointing her to lead Venezuela following Maduro’s removal, arguing that she lacks sufficient domestic support.
Since Maduro was seized on 3 January, the Trump administration has moved swiftly to reshape Venezuela’s oil sector, which had long been subject to US sanctions. On Wednesday, a US official confirmed that the United States had completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million (£373 million).
A Venezuelan government envoy is also expected to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet US officials and begin steps toward reopening the country’s embassy, according to a report by the New York Times. The emissary is said to be a close ally and personal friend of Rodríguez, whom the White House has described as “extremely co-operative.”
Rodríguez delivered the annual Message to the Nation address in Caracas on Thursday, saying she was prepared to attend meetings in Washington if necessary.
“If I ever have to go to Washington as acting president, I will do so standing tall, walking, and not crawling,” she said, urging Venezuelans “not to be afraid of diplomacy” with the United States.
Trump and Rodríguez also spoke by phone on Wednesday. Following the call, Trump described her on social media as “a terrific person,” while Rodríguez said the conversation was “productive and courteous,” marked by “mutual respect.”
