President Donald Trump, who has often claimed he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, finally held the gold medal on Thursday thanks to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. During a meeting at the White House, Machado presented her own medal to the President. She told reporters the act was a recognition of his commitment to Venezuela.
While Trump now has the physical symbol of the award, the Norwegian Nobel Committee dampened the moment by clarifying the rules. They stated that the prize cannot be transferred and the winner’s name stands for all time. This ensures that Machado remains the sole official recipient of the honor.
Machado framed the gift as a historical repayment. She likened it to the French general Lafayette giving a medal to Venezuelan liberator Simon Bolivar. By calling Trump the “heir of Washington,” Machado attempted to place their relationship within a lineage of great historical figures.
The meeting comes at a time when Trump has been critical of Machado, previously calling her unfit. He has also been aggressively negotiating with interim president Delcy Rodriguez regarding U.S. oil interests, using threats of force to secure favorable terms. This suggests a pragmatic approach to the region.
Despite these underlying tensions, Machado called the meeting “great.” She expressed faith in Trump’s support, stating, “We are counting on President Trump.” The gift of the medal represents a significant personal sacrifice aimed at winning over the U.S. President.