Clarifications followed remarks by Maria Corina Machado, one of the opposition leaders in Venezuela, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. She had previously stated her intention to share the award with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The committee noted that the prize was awarded to Machado "for her tireless efforts to defend the democratic rights of Venezuelans and her commitment to a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." After receiving the award, Machado dedicated it to the "suffering people of Venezuela" and to Trump "for his active support of our cause."
After U.S. intelligence agencies captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, Machado stated that "it is time for Venezuelans to be free." She later emphasized that she believes Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
Meanwhile, Trump announced that the U.S. intends to cooperate with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, a long-time supporter of Maduro. He also noted that Machado lacks sufficient support in the country.
According to sources from The Washington Post, Trump allegedly refused to support Machado because she did not agree to yield the Nobel Prize to him, which he wanted to receive. In response to these rumors, Trump stated that Machado "should not have won," but added that the award "did not affect my decision in any way."
