Maria Corina Machado Dedicates Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela. In a surprising turn, she dedicated the prestigious award to Donald Trump, highlighting his support for her cause and the Venezuelan people.

Machado announced her award on social media, emphasizing the significance of US support in her fight for freedom. In her posts, she stated, “We are on the threshold of victory and today more than ever we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve freedom and democracy.”

Acknowledging Support Amid Adversity

Despite being barred from running against President Nicolás Maduro due to political persecution, Machado has remained a prominent voice for change. She has been in hiding for over a year following her opposition to the Maduro regime, which she describes as authoritarian.

The Nobel Committee recognized Machado for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela” and her efforts to facilitate a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. In another social media message, Machado reiterated her dedication of the award to both the Venezuelan people and Trump, stating, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!”

Trump, who has previously claimed he deserves a Nobel Prize for his efforts in international diplomacy, has yet to provide an extensive response to Machado’s dedication. His only acknowledgment came in the form of a shared screenshot of Machado’s post on his social media platform, without any additional commentary.

Political Dynamics and Reactions

Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, commented on the Nobel announcement, asserting that the decision reflects “politics over peace.” He emphasized that Trump will continue to pursue peace deals and initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts, including ongoing military pressure on the Maduro regime.

Machado has supported Trump’s military strategies against Maduro, describing a recent US naval deployment near Venezuela as a “necessary measure” to foster a democratic transition. This alignment underlines a complex relationship between American foreign policy and Venezuelan opposition efforts.

In the past, Trump has openly supported Machado, particularly during her brief detention in January 2025, when she participated in protests against the Maduro government. He stated, “Venezuelan democracy activist Maria Corina Machado and President-elect Gonzalez are peacefully expressing the voices and the WILL of the Venezuelan people.” This statement underscores the strong backing from the Venezuelan-American community for Machado’s fight for democracy.

As Machado celebrates her Nobel Peace Prize victory, her dedication to Trump adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing political narrative surrounding Venezuela. The international community will be watching closely for Trump’s formal response and any implications this may have for US-Venezuela relations moving forward.