Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado dedicates her Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump, praising his role in supporting Venezuela’s fight for democracy.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Honors Trump in Emotional Message
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who recently won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has publicly dedicated the award to former U.S. President Donald Trump — praising his “decisive support” in Venezuela’s fight for democracy.
Machado, 58, has been a key figure in opposing Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime, pushing for freedom, fair elections, and human rights in her country. Her leadership and courage earned her international recognition — and now, one of the world’s highest honors.
Trump Reacts to the Nobel Prize Decision
After news broke that Machado had won the award, Donald Trump addressed supporters, saying that the new laureate had personally reached out to him.
“The person who actually got the Nobel Prize called today and said, ‘I’m accepting this in honor of you, because you really deserved it.’ A really nice thing to do,” Trump said.
He jokingly added, “I didn’t say, ‘Then give it to me,’ though.”
Trump also hinted that his diplomatic work, including peace efforts in the Middle East, may have been overlooked. “There are those who say we did so much that they should have done it,” he remarked, referencing his involvement in peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Why Machado Dedicated the Award to Trump
In a heartfelt statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Machado explained her decision to honor Trump:
“This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task — to conquer freedom.
We count on President Trump, the people of the United States, and the democratic nations of the world as our allies to achieve democracy.”
She continued, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause.”
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Machado described Trump’s leadership as “clear and courageous”, crediting his actions for helping dismantle criminal structures tied to the Maduro regime.
Background: Machado’s Fight for Freedom
Machado has been a leading voice for democracy in Venezuela for decades. Despite threats, arrests, and political persecution, she continues to fight for a peaceful transition of power. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her “tireless work promoting democratic rights and striving for a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
The award also highlights growing international support for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, which continues to face repression and humanitarian challenges.
Reactions and Controversy
The White House reacted critically, claiming the Nobel Committee “placed politics over peace” in choosing Machado over other candidates, including Trump.
Still, many observers note that Machado’s gesture — dedicating her win to Trump — strengthens ties between U.S. conservatives and Latin America’s democracy movements.
Final Thoughts
María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize win marks a powerful moment for Venezuela’s long struggle for freedom. Her decision to dedicate the award to Donald Trump underscores her gratitude for his support — and adds a new chapter to the ongoing debate over who truly deserves the world’s most prestigious peace award.