In a striking diplomatic gesture, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has expressed her willingness to share her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize with U.S. President Donald Trump. This move comes despite the President recently distancing himself from her leadership role in the post-Maduro era.
Machado, who was awarded the prestigious prize for her defiance against what the Norwegian Nobel Committee termed a “dictatorship,” told Fox News on Monday night that she believes the credit for Venezuela’s liberation belongs to the American President.
“Justice Defeated Tyranny”
Speaking about the U.S. military operation on January 3 that led to the capture of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro, Machado hailed the mission as a “milestone for humanity.”
“As soon as I learnt we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed he deserved it,” Machado stated. “January 3 will go down in history as the day justice defeated tyranny. I would certainly love to be able to personally tell him that the Venezuelan people want to share it with him.”
A Cooling Relationship
The offer follows a period of visible tension between the White House and the Venezuelan opposition. Following the dramatic raid in Caracas, expectations were high that Machado would lead the transition of the oil-rich nation. However, President Trump publicly dampened those hopes during a recent press conference, stating that Machado “doesn’t have the support within the country.”
Sources suggest the rift may be partially linked to the Nobel Prize itself; reports indicate Trump was frustrated that he was not the sole recipient of the award following the successful military intervention.
Key Developments
- The Nobel Dedication: Machado claims she dedicated the award to Trump on October 10, the day it was announced.
- Lack of Communication: Despite the dedication, Machado admitted she has not spoken to the President since October.
- Return to Venezuela: Having traveled to Norway to accept the award, Machado confirmed she plans to return to her home country “as soon as possible” to continue her work.
Strategic Shift
While Trump has acknowledged Machado as a “nice woman,” his administration appears to be pivoting toward alternative local figures and direct U.S. oversight to stabilize Venezuela’s economy and oil production. Machado’s offer of the Nobel Prize is seen by many analysts as an attempt to regain the President’s favor and re-establish her standing as the primary face of the Venezuelan opposition.