Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has given her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, saying it was a recognition of his commitment to her country's freedom.
I think today is a historic day for us Venezuelans, she said after meeting Trump in person for the first time, following the recent U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on drug trafficking charges.
Trump acknowledged the gesture on social media, describing it as a wonderful gesture of mutual respect, though the Nobel committee has clarified that the prize itself is not transferable.
Despite the presentation, Trump has refrained from endorsing Machado as Venezuela's new leader, focusing instead on the acting head of state, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice-president.
Machado emphasized that presenting the medal to Trump signifies a shared struggle for liberty, referencing historical ties between the U.S. and Venezuela. She declared her intention to lead Venezuela post-Maduro and called on the gathering crowd outside the White House to support her cause.
Though meeting with Trump was seen as a significant moment, it remains crucial for Machado to solidify her position among Venezuelan citizens, as she aims for upcoming elections in 2024.
As U.S. operations continue to reshape Venezuela's political landscape and oil sector, Machado's actions in the U.S. capital highlight the ongoing complexity of Venezuela's quest for democracy.
