Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado stated she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump during a meeting at the White House. Machado, who received the award for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela, described the gesture as a "recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom." It remains unclear if President Trump accepted the medal, and the Nobel Peace Center emphasizes that the award is non-transferable. This meeting occurred as the U.S. oversees a transition of power in Venezuela.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed that President Trump's view has not changed regarding Machado's ability to lead Venezuela, asserting she lacks sufficient support. Despite calling Machado a "remarkable and brave voice," Leavitt highlighted the U.S. has found Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, handpicked by the ousted president, to be an "extremely cooperative" partner. Leavitt noted Rodríguez's government has met U.S. demands, including the release of political prisoners and a $100 billion deal for energy sector reconstruction.
Machado expressed optimism after her White House visit, telling supporters they could count on President Trump for Venezuela's freedom, before meeting with U.S. senators. Senator Rick Scott, among those who met Machado, emphasized the need for free and fair elections and a free press in Venezuela, while calling for accountability for Delcy Rodríguez. The article suggests little may change for Machado, as President Trump has largely sidelined her and the opposition candidate who won the disputed 2024 election. Trump stated his hope for future elections in Venezuela but provided no timeline, expressing satisfaction with his administration's working relationship with Rodríguez.