Trump Accepts Nobel Peace Prize Medal from Machado, Claims Credit for Ending Wars

US President Donald Trump formally accepted the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado during a meeting at the White House. During this interaction, which took place on January 15, 2026, Trump attributed his acceptance to what he described as a significant achievement: the ending of eight global conflicts.

In response to a reporter’s inquiry regarding his acceptance of an award not originally bestowed upon him, Trump emphasized that Machado insisted he was the most deserving recipient in history. “Well, she offered it to me. I thought it was very nice. She said, ‘you know, you’ve ended eight wars, and nobody deserves this prize more than, in history, than you do,” Trump stated, as reported by USA TODAY.

On the White House lawn, Trump characterized the presentation as a “very nice gesture” and expressed admiration for Machado, saying, “I think she’s a very fine woman. And we’ll be talking again.” The exchange underscored the growing relationship between the two leaders, particularly in the context of their shared opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

During the meeting, Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump as a token of recognition for his “unique commitment” to Venezuelan freedom. Following the encounter, Trump praised the gesture on his Truth Social platform, referring to Machado as a “wonderful woman who has been through so much.” He described the presentation as a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect,” reinforcing the significance of their alliance.

The backdrop to this meeting includes the recent capture of Maduro and his wife by US forces, an event that has intensified discussions surrounding Venezuelan politics. Following this, Trump controversially shared a doctored Wikipedia article declaring himself the “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee responded to the situation, issuing a statement asserting that the Nobel Prize is “inseparable” from the laureate. The committee emphasized that a laureate cannot share the prize with others or transfer it once it has been announced. “A Nobel Peace Prize can also never be revoked. The decision is final and applies for all time,” the committee stated.

As the political landscape in Venezuela evolves, the implications of this meeting and the acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize medal by Trump highlight the complexities of international relations and how symbolic gestures can resonate in global politics. The exchange not only reflects the ongoing struggle for freedom in Venezuela but also Trump’s self-portrayal as a global peacemaker amidst shifting alliances.