UPDATE: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with former President Donald Trump at the White House on January 15, 2024, where she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. This unexpected event underscores the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela and the significant political ties between the two leaders.
Machado, who leads the center-right Vente Venezuela party, awarded her Nobel medal to Trump in a symbolic gesture of gratitude for his support of the Venezuelan people against authoritarian rule. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed his appreciation: “It was a Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado… She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.”
During the meeting, Machado emphasized that the Nobel medal represents unity between the Venezuelan people and the ideals of freedom and democratic dignity. “It is also a profound expression of gratitude for the invaluable support of President Trump and the United States for the Venezuelan people,” she stated, reflecting the urgent need for international backing in their fight for independence.
This meeting aligns with Machado’s earlier offer to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, a move that has drawn significant attention. The Nobel Committee responded, reiterating that “once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others.” The committee stressed the permanence of the award, stating, “A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.”
Machado also engaged with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, meeting with both Republican and Democrat representatives. She voiced her determination for a free Venezuela, stating, “I want to assure you that we are going to turn Venezuela into a free and safe country, and into the strongest ally the United States has ever had in this region.”
Despite her ambitions, Machado faces significant challenges ahead of Venezuela’s 2024 elections. Although she won her primary bid against Nicolas Maduro, she has been banned from running. The state-run election agency declared Maduro the winner, despite widespread belief that candidate Edmundo Gonzalez secured the election. Following these events, Machado left Venezuela, seeking international support.
The political climate remains tense, with Maduro’s government still in power. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president, made a pointed remark during Machado’s visit: “If one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so with my head held high, not on my knees.” This statement highlights the deep divisions and ongoing struggle for power in Venezuela.
As this situation develops, the implications of Machado’s meeting with Trump extend beyond symbolic gestures. It reflects the urgent need for international support in Venezuela’s fight for democratic rights, positioning both leaders at the forefront of a critical global issue.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
