Machado Awards Nobel Peace Prize to Trump
Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, visited the White House recently for a significant meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. During a closed-door lunch on Thursday, Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, recognizing his dedication to Venezuelan freedom. This visit marks a pivotal moment in their dialogue about the political situation in Venezuela.
Key Details from Machado’s Visit
After the meeting, Machado expressed optimism about U.S. support for her cause. She stated that her supporters could “count on” President Trump. However, the White House refrained from confirming if Trump accepted the Nobel medal.
Trump has long desired the Nobel Peace Prize. His reaction to Machado’s recognition as a laureate in December 2025 had been dismissive. Despite this, Machado has recently taken steps to maintain a positive relationship with Trump, even offering to share her Nobel honor, though such an act is against Nobel Institute regulations.
Context of U.S.-Venezuela Relations
The backdrop to this meeting includes Venezuela’s political turmoil. President Maduro was ousted following a U.S. operation in Caracas on January 3. Nevertheless, Trump had previously sidelined Machado, suggesting she lacked adequate respect and support within Venezuela to lead the country post-Maduro.
Machado’s party alleges that Maduro stole the 2024 election, a claim echoed by officials in Washington. On the same day as Machado’s White House visit, Trump publicly maintained his stance on her leadership capabilities.
Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize Recognition
- Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy in Venezuela.
- Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the award on her behalf during a ceremony in Oslo in December 2025.
Since leaving Venezuela after a brief detainment, Machado has remained largely out of the public eye. Her recent appearance was among the few since her departure.
The Political Landscape Shifts
Complicating the situation, Trump has expressed more favor towards Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez. Trump referred to Rodriguez as a “terrific person” and described a recent phone conversation with her as “productive and courteous.”
In her own address, Rodriguez advocated for diplomatic engagement with the U.S., marking a significant shift in Venezuela’s diplomatic tone. She emphasized the importance of cooperation to foster better relations.
U.S. Military Actions Against Venezuelan Assets
Simultaneously, the U.S. military conducted operations to seize oil tankers linked to Venezuela, underscoring ongoing tensions over oil exports. On Thursday, the military reported the seizure of a tanker named Veronica, which was reportedly operating against U.S. sanctions.
Since mid-December, U.S. forces have seized six Venezuelan-linked tankers, indicating a concerted effort to control the flow of oil from the country. According to the U.S. Southern Command, the future of Venezuelan oil resources is to be managed carefully, allowing only sanctioned exports.
Future Plans for Venezuelan Oil Investment
In light of potential oil investments, Rodriguez announced reforms to Venezuela’s hydrocarbon laws aimed at attracting foreign capital. The focus is on new fields and improving infrastructure for oil extraction.
With Trump’s ambitious $100 billion plan to develop Venezuela’s oil sector, the U.S. seems poised to exert significant influence over Venezuelan resources. However, skepticism remains among some U.S. oil executives regarding the current investability of the region.
As both Machado’s diplomacy and Rodriguez’s outreach unfold, the international community watches closely. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, but these recent developments signal potential shifts in leadership and policy.
