Washington: In a striking and symbolic gesture at the White House, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on Thursday presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office.
The White House shared images of the moment, noting that Machado offered the prize to Trump as a mark of recognition and honour. The meeting marked their first face-to-face interaction and was described by Machado as a historic day for Venezuelans, reflecting hope and renewed political momentum for the crisis-hit nation.
President Donald J. Trump meets with María Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/v7pYHjVNVO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 16, 2026
Trump acknowledged the gesture publicly, calling it a “wonderful sign of mutual respect,” and expressed appreciation for Machado’s support and leadership.
The high-profile meeting came amid heightened international attention on Venezuela following dramatic developments involving the country’s long-standing authoritarian leadership, events that have significantly altered the political landscape in Caracas.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has reiterated that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred, shared, or reassigned once awarded, underscoring that Machado remains the official laureate despite the symbolic presentation.
The episode has sparked global debate, with supporters hailing it as a powerful political statement and critics questioning its implications on the international stage.
