María Corina Machado meets Trump at White House
Venezuelan opposition leader presents her Nobel Peace Prize medal in symbolic gesture
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, describing the encounter as “great” and “excellent,” and was warmly received by supporters after leaving. The lunch marked their first in‑person meeting. Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal in a symbolic gesture she said represented gratitude from Venezuelans for his role in supporting democratic change; the Norwegian Nobel Institute has reiterated that the prize itself remains hers and cannot be transferred or revoked. The White House displayed a framed presentation reading, “To President Donald J. Trump — In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength,” and a White House official said Trump intends to keep the medal.
Media and officials said the exchange was meant to reinforce ties between Washington and Venezuela’s opposition amid the country’s political turmoil. Trump posted on social media thanking Machado for the gift and praised the gesture; White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president had looked forward to the meeting but maintained a “realistic” view that Machado did not yet command the support required to lead Venezuela in the near term. No new policy announcements were made, though officials said the administration remains committed to promoting stability, democratic processes and human rights in the region.
Reactions were mixed: supporters framed the presentation as a strong international signal backing the opposition and recognizing U.S. involvement, while critics warned it risked provoking deeper polarization and underscored foreign influence in Venezuela’s internal affairs. Analysts noted the episode highlights Machado’s close alignment with Washington and the continuing role of international diplomacy in shaping Venezuela’s crisis. Security and protocol around the visit were routine, and Machado declined to comment on specific details of the discussion after departing the White House.
