Venezuelan Leader Machado Visits Trump at White House, Proposes Nobel Sharing
President Trump recently welcomed Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to the White House for a lunch meeting. This gathering took place on January 15, 2026, shortly after Machado proposed to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, recognizing his efforts to remove Nicolás Maduro from power.
Machado’s Historic Offer
Machado expressed her intentions during an interview with Fox News. She emphasized that her Nobel Prize is not just hers, but a symbol for the Venezuelan people. “We want to share it with him for what he has done,” Machado stated, referring to Trump’s significant role in Venezuela’s political landscape. She labeled his actions as a major step toward a democratic transition.
Current Political Landscape in Venezuela
The situation in Venezuela remains complex. Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president, currently holds the title of interim president. While Machado has garnered attention for her dedication to democratic reforms, Trump has not formally endorsed her as a candidate for presidency. He cited a lack of support for Machado within Venezuela as a potential hindrance to her leadership.
- Machado’s claim: She believes she is the chosen leader by the Venezuelan people.
- Trump’s view: Machado faces challenges due to limited respect and support domestically.
- Interim president: Delcy Rodríguez continues to lead the country amid political unrest.
Nobel Prize Committee Response
Following Machado’s proposal, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, clarified that the prize cannot be shared or transferred. Machado received the Nobel Prize for her role as a central figure in the Venezuelan opposition, unifying diverse factions demanding free elections and effective governance.
U.S. Actions on Venezuelan Oil
In recent developments, the Pentagon confirmed the seizure of an oil tanker in the Caribbean, marking the sixth such incident involving Venezuelan oil. The Trump administration has initiated the sale of Venezuelan oil, having completed its first transaction valued at $500 million. Plans reportedly include selling up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil.
- Recent oil seizure: Pentagon reports six oil tanker seizures related to Venezuela.
- First sale: Completed sale of $500 million in Venezuelan oil.
- Future sales: Plans to sell up to 50 million barrels.
As political tensions continue, both Machado’s advocacy for democracy and the U.S. involvement in Venezuelan oil highlight the ongoing complexities in Venezuela’s governance and international relations.
