Politics

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado announced that she gave her Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday during an important meeting that could influence Trump’s plans for Venezuela’s political future. It was not clear if Trump accepted the medal. Machado described the meeting as “excellent” and told reporters that she presented the prize to honor Trump’s dedication to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. This action seems to be part of her strategy to gain more influence in her country’s future direction. Trump had campaigned for the Nobel Prize before Machado received it last month. Even if Machado handed over her medal, she remains the rightful owner; the Norwegian Nobel Institute stated that the prize cannot be transferred, shared, or taken away. When asked if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.” This lunch meeting, which lasted just over an hour, was their first in-person encounter. Afterwards, Machado met with over a dozen senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more support. During her visit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump was eager to meet Machado, but he maintained his “realistic” view that she currently lacks the backing needed to lead the country in the near future. Machado, who escaped Venezuela by sea in December, is trying to persuade Trump while competing with members of the Venezuelan government and aiming to secure a role in the country’s future governance. Following the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s long-time leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a recent operation, various opposition leaders, members of Venezuela’s diaspora, and politicians from the U.S. and Latin America have shown optimism that Venezuela will start a move toward democracy.