Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has taken her admiration for President Trump to the next level by physically handing over her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a White House meeting, defying the committee’s rules against transferring the award.
This bold move underscores Trump’s pivotal role in dismantling the Maduro regime and steering Venezuela toward stability, leaving globalists seething.
Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting democracy in Venezuela, met with Trump Thursday, and presented him with the gold medal as a symbol of gratitude for his leadership in liberating her country.
? JUST IN: Maria Corina Machado confirms she DEFIED the Nobel Committee and gave her peace prize to President Trump because she knew he deserved it
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 16, 2026
"He DESERVES IT! It was a very emotional moment."
Incredible.
"Experts" in shambles. ????pic.twitter.com/XnFzLBkbqe
The Nobel Institute had explicitly stated that the prize could not be transferred, but Machado proceeded anyway, confirming her defiance in a subsequent Fox News interview.
In the interview on Fox & Friends, host Rachel Campos-Duffy asked Machado about the committee’s prohibition: “The Prize Committee saying that you couldn’t transfer your Nobel prize to anyone especially President Trump. You did today. Why did you do that?”
Machado responded, “Because he deserves it and It was a very emotional moment. I decided To present the Nobel Peace Prize medal on behalf of the people of Venezuela.”
She elaborated on her inspiration, drawing a historical parallel: “200 years ago General Lafayette gave Simón Bolívar, Venezuela’s liberator, a medal bearing the face of George Washington. And it was in tribute for Bolívar fight for freedom on the continent. And Simón kept that medal with him for the rest of his days.”
“So 200 years later in history, the people of Bolívar are presenting to Washington’s heir, in retribution, in this case a medal, the Nobel Peace Prize medal, for what he is doing to liberate Venezuela and for freedom in the Americas,” Machado further stated.
Trump acknowledged the gesture on social media, writing: “Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!”
According to reports from PBS, Machado told reporters after the meeting: “I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize, as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”
Trump confirmed he would keep the medal, posting that it was an honor to meet her, writing “She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.”
This act comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to stabilize Venezuela following the capture of ousted dictator Nicolás Maduro in a U.S.-led operation earlier this month.
As we previously highlighted, Machado immediately dedicated her Nobel award to Trump upon receiving it in October of last year, emphasizing his decisive actions in pressuring the Maduro regime through sanctions and operations against linked criminal networks.
Machado reiterated her stance on Fox News at the time: “I decided to dedicate it to President Trump because he deserves it! Because not only has he been involved in only a few months in solving 8 wars, but his actions have been decisive to have Venezuela now at a threshold of freedom after 26 years of tyranny!”
Her latest gesture amplifies that dedication, transforming it from words to a tangible handover.
Machado’s actions are surely also part of a broader diplomatic effort to secure U.S. backing for Venezuela’s transition, especially as Trump has made clear his administration’s hands-on approach.
As we noted earlier this month, Trump dismissed the idea of Machado immediately taking leadership, stating: “I think it would be tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country. A very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.”
He instead outlined plans for the U.S. to temporarily “run” Venezuela to ensure a secure transition.
Machado, however, has positioned herself as ready to step in, declaring previously: “We are ready to take over government. We have the teams, we have the plans – the first 100 hours, the first 100 days.”
Her gift to Trump appears aimed at strengthening alliances amid these dynamics, potentially influencing the path to restoring sovereignty and prosperity in Venezuela under America’s guidance.
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