By: The Trek News Desk
Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado met US President Donald Trump at the White House in a private meeting, during which she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. The encounter marked their first face-to-face discussion and was described by Machado as a “historic moment” for Venezuela.
The meeting took place amid major political developments in Venezuela. Just days earlier, US agencies detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and announced drug-trafficking charges against him. The move has triggered rapid shifts in Venezuela’s internal politics and its diplomatic engagement with Washington.
President Trump acknowledged the gesture on social media, calling it a symbol of “mutual respect and trust.” He praised Machado as a courageous leader who has endured years of political struggle. However, Trump has stopped short of formally backing her as Venezuela’s next leader. Instead, the United States continues to maintain dialogue with the country’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice-president.
After leaving the White House, Machado addressed supporters gathered outside, saying Venezuelans could place their confidence in President Trump. Speaking to reporters later, she said the medal was offered as recognition of Trump’s commitment to Venezuela’s fight for freedom and democracy.
Meanwhile, the Nobel Committee clarified that a Nobel Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked once awarded. While the physical medal may change hands, the title of Nobel laureate remains solely with the original recipient, the committee reiterated.
Referring to history, Machado drew a parallel with the era of independence movements, recalling how Marquis de Lafayette once gifted Simón Bolívar a medal bearing George Washington’s image. She said the present gesture symbolized a shared legacy between Venezuela and the United States in opposing tyranny and defending liberty.
During her visit to Washington, Machado also held meetings with US lawmakers. Outside Congress, supporters waved Venezuelan flags and chanted slogans backing her leadership.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Machado as a strong and brave voice for the Venezuelan people, adding that President Trump welcomed an open and candid exchange on the realities facing the country.
At the same time, the Trump administration has accelerated decisions related to Venezuela’s oil sector following Maduro’s arrest. US officials confirmed the completion of an initial sale of Venezuelan oil valued at around $500 million, while several oil tankers suspected of violating sanctions have been seized.
Sources also indicate that a close ally of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez may soon travel to Washington to explore steps toward restoring diplomatic ties. Rodríguez herself has signaled readiness for engagement with the US.
A recent phone conversation between President Trump and Rodríguez was described by both sides as respectful and constructive, raising expectations of a possible new chapter in US-Venezuela relations.
Source: News Agencies
