UPDATE: In a historic meeting today, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to former President Donald Trump at the White House. This significant gesture symbolizes a united front in the fight for democracy in Venezuela and highlights Trump’s ongoing support for democratic movements in the region.
Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s center-right Vente Venezuela party, met with Trump earlier today, where she emphasized the importance of their shared values: “This medal represents the unity of our two peoples on the ideals of freedom, sovereignty, and democratic dignity.” She further expressed her gratitude for Trump’s steadfast support of the Venezuelan struggle against authoritarianism.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “It was a Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado today. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.” He referred to her presentation of the Nobel medal as a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”
Machado’s visit to Washington comes amidst urgent political tensions in Venezuela, where she recently won her primary bid to challenge Nicolás Maduro in the upcoming 2024 election. However, she faces significant obstacles, including a ban from running and a controversial electoral process that saw Maduro declared the winner despite widespread allegations of fraud.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has made it clear that Nobel Prizes cannot be shared or transferred, reiterating their stance in response to Machado’s gesture. “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked,” they stated, emphasizing that while medals may change hands, the title of Nobel laureate remains intact.
During her time in D.C., Machado also met with lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties at the U.S. Capitol. She declared, “I want to assure you that we are going to turn Venezuela into a free and safe country, and into the strongest ally the United States has ever had in this region.”
Despite Machado’s efforts, Maduro’s government continues to wield power, with Delcy Rodriguez, former vice president, currently serving as the interim leader. In a pointed remark directed at Machado, Rodriguez stated, “If one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so with my head held high, not on my knees.”
As the political landscape in Venezuela remains fraught with challenges, Machado’s presentation of the Nobel medal to Trump marks a critical moment in their shared commitment to democratic reform and the support of the Venezuelan people. This developing story will continue to unfold as Venezuela approaches its pivotal elections in 2024. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.
