When Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado entered the White House on Thursday, she came with the Nobel Peace Prize in hand, a gift that U.S. President Donald Trump has long coveted.
Machado, a fierce critic of former Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, won the award last year for his campaign for greater democracy. Now she has left her medal at the White House, hoping that her act might lead her to do something even more valuable: the United States helping her fight to usher in Venezuela’s post-Maduro future.
But if she thought this gift might encourage the president to support her support for the Venezuelan regime, it appears she may have to wait, at least for now. She was later photographed leaving the White House with a Trump-branded swag bag, but little was clear about her political future.
Machado is one of two people vying for leadership of post-Maduro Venezuela. President Trump has appointed Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as acting president for the time being, even though she has been an insider for many years.
In a photo released by the White House, Trump can be seen next to a large gold-framed shield that looks ready to hang on a wall. The medal’s dedication reads, “It is presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the people of Venezuela in recognition of President Trump’s principled and decisive actions to ensure a free Venezuela.”
“Maria presented me with the Nobel Peace Prize for all my accomplishments. A great act of mutual respect,” President Trump posted on Truth Social.
The Oslo-based Nobel Peace Center quickly reiterated that the medals cannot be shared or transferred.
Regarding X, the committee said, “A medal can change hands, but the title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.”
Machado, however, expressed optimism, calling the meeting “historic” and “extraordinary.”
He added that the Trump administration understands the need for “a new, real electoral process” that will rebuild institutions, protect human rights and free speech, and encourage Venezuelans to return to their homeland.
He also claimed that Venezuela already has a new president. Edmundo González is an opposition candidate previously recognized by the United States after the country’s disputed 2024 elections.
Government-appointed election officials named Mr. Maduro the winner, allowing him to cling to power until he was suddenly captured by U.S. military special forces. At the time, however, not only opposition leaders but also the United States and international watchdogs expressed concerns about the alleged foul play.
But despite Washington’s previous support for Machado and González, Trump did not support the opposition after Maduro’s arrest. Instead, he supported Rodriguez, surprising many anti-Maduro figures.
Despite Machado’s upbeat tone, it remains unclear what he secured beyond the photo shoot and official gift bag embossed with Trump’s signature.
The Trump administration has indicated several times that it views Rodriguez as a stable and viable option for the United States to work with.
And on Thursday, as talks began, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said Trump’s assessment of Machado had not changed.
“I know the president was looking forward to this meeting and was hoping for a good and positive discussion with Mr. Machado, who is a truly remarkable and courageous voice for many Venezuelans,” Levitt said.
But she added that Trump stands by his previous claims that Machado lacks the support he needs to lead Venezuela. “At this point, his opinion on this matter has not changed,” she said.
