Did He Keep It? Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Silent on Nobel Medal’s Fate

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump on Thursday but did not clarify if he kept it. speaking after a White House meeting, Machado said she “presented” the medal to acknowledge Trump’s commitment to freedom. The ambiguity adds intrigue to an already high-profile encounter.
The gesture touches on Trump’s known desire for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that the prize cannot be transferred or shared. The winner’s name stands for all time, meaning any transfer of the medal is purely symbolic.
Machado explained the gift by referencing the Marquis de Lafayette and Simon Bolivar. She stated that the “people of Bolivar” were giving back to the “heir of Washington.” This historical comparison was used to elevate the meeting to a diplomatic milestone.
Politically, the relationship is complex. Trump has previously called Machado unfit to lead and has threatened interim president Delcy Rodriguez with force regarding U.S. oil interests. This suggests a multifaceted U.S. strategy in Venezuela.
Machado, however, remained positive. She called the meeting “great” and emphasized Trump’s care for the Venezuelan people. The presentation of the medal serves as a powerful symbol of her desire for a strong partnership with the United States.