The Venezuelan opposition leader met with the U.S. president in Washington and 'awarded' him the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump appreciated Machado's gesture and intends to keep the medal, Reuters reports.
Maria Corina Machado outside the White House in Washington, January 15, 2026. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP U.S. President Donald Trump met on Thursday, January 15, with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to discuss the future of Venezuela following Washington's takeover of the country's ruler Nicolas Maduro.
After the meeting at the White House, Machado, who became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate last year, told reporters that she 'awarded' her Nobel medal to Trump 'in recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom.' In a brief statement, she also added that her meeting with the American president went well and that her supporters can count on Trump.
Trump accepted the Peace Prize from Machado
The U.S. President appreciated the gesture from Maria Corina Machado, who 'awarded' him her Nobel Peace Prize. 'Maria awarded me the Nobel Peace Prize for my work. It was a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria!' Donald Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social.
A source at the White House told Reuters that the American president 'intends to keep the medal.'
White House: Machado lacks support to lead Venezuela
During the meeting, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that, in Trump's opinion, Machado lacks the necessary support to lead the country in the short term.
On January 9, Trump indicated on CNN that he wanted to talk to Maria Corina Machado. 'She may be involved in some aspects of this (governing Venezuela after the U.S. takeover of Nicolas Maduro). I will have to talk to her. I think it’s very good that she wants to come. I understand that’s the reason,' he said.
Nobel Institute: The Peace Prize cannot be transferred
The Norwegian Nobel Institute, responsible for awarding the Peace Prize, denied on January 9 the claims that a laureate of this award can transfer it to another person. 'Once the Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, divided, or transferred to others. The decision is final and remains in effect forever,' the institute emphasized.
Earlier, Maria Corina Machado stated that she would like to transfer the prize to Trump or share it with the U.S. president. This statement came after Trump publicly rejected the idea of appointing Machado as the interim leader of Venezuela. According to The Washington Post, this happened because Machado did not yield the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump.
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