Trump accepts Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Machado

• President Trump meets Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presents him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal at the White House.

President Donald Trump on Thursday met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presented him with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal during a private White House meeting in Washington, in a highly symbolic gesture meant to recognize his role in recent Venezuelan political developments.

Read more: Venezuela's Machado says she “presented” her Nobel medal to Trump

Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for her efforts promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, told reporters afterward that she had given Trump the medal “as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”

In a social media post, Trump described the meeting as a “great honour” and thanked Machado, calling her “a wonderful woman who has been through so much” and describing her gesture as one of “mutual respect.” A White House official confirmed that the president accepted the framed medal, though the Nobel committee has made clear that the award itself is non-transferable under its rules.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of turmoil in Venezuela following the U.S.-led operation that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Machado has been pushing for a democratic transition and seeking U.S. support for her political future, but Trump has so far signaled support for acting President Delcy Rodríguez and questioned Machado’s viability as a leader.

After the White House meeting, Machado addressed supporters near the U.S. Capitol, saying she believed Trump could be counted on in the struggle for freedom in Venezuela.