Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Gifts Trump Nobel Peace Prize Medal in Recognition of “Principled and Decisive Action”

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Friday, 16 January 2026 08:45 AM EST

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal on Thursday, which he accepted in a private meeting. The White House shared a photo on X of the two together, showing Trump holding a gold-framed display containing the medal. The inscription reads: “Principled and Decisive Action to Secure a Free Venezuela.”

The Nobel Committee has stated that the Peace Prize itself is not transferable. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Trump, Machado said she presented him with the medal as recognition for his “unique commitment to our freedom.” However, she did not secure political backing from Trump for a democratic transition in Venezuela. Trump has indicated he is willing to engage with the socialist regime now led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

On Thursday night, Trump praised Machado on Truth Social, calling her a “wonderful woman who has been through so much” and stating: “María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” This marked Machado and Trump’s first in-person encounter, which took place over lunch. Her allies hoped the meeting would prompt Trump to collaborate with Venezuelan opposition forces in his plans for Venezuela following the capture of strongman Nicolas Maduro.