Edith Hejberg
Speaking Friday evening, Trump told supporters that Machado had called to thank him and even credited him for the award.
US President Donald Trump spoke by phone Friday with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, just hours after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The call came even as Trump’s own administration sharply criticized the Nobel Committee for its decision.
Machado honored for peaceful democratic fight in Venezuela
Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for her long-standing efforts to promote democratic change in Venezuela.
The committee praised her for pushing for a peaceful transition “from dictatorship to democracy,” highlighting her commitment to non-violent activism amid political crackdowns.
Trump: Machado accepted the prize “in honor” of him
Speaking Friday evening, Trump told supporters that Machado had called to thank him and even credited him for the award.
“She said, ‘I’m accepting this in honor of you, because you really deserved it,’” Trump claimed, calling the gesture “a very nice thing to do.”
White House slams Nobel Committee over choice
Despite Trump’s praise for Machado, the White House took a different tone.
“The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace,” said communications director Steven Cheung in a social media post, slamming the decision as politically motivated.
Machado’s years-long struggle for democracy recognized
The Venezuelan leader spent years fighting for free elections and democratic reforms in her country.
Forced into hiding under President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, Machado became a symbol of resistance, often saying her mission was about choosing “ballots over bullets.”
US support for Machado goes back years
The Trump administration has long backed Machado’s cause and has consistently denounced the Maduro government.
It also deployed military resources to the region under the banner of fighting narcotrafficking, an effort widely seen as aimed at pressuring the Venezuelan regime.
Rubio and other lawmakers nominated her for Nobel
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, along with several other US lawmakers including Mike Waltz, who is now UN ambassador, nominated Machado for the Nobel in 2024.
They described her as a rare example of courage and moral clarity in the face of authoritarian rule.
Rubio calls her a symbol of resilience
Rubio praised Machado again earlier this year, calling her “the personification of resilience, tenacity, and patriotism.” He added that she has “never backed down” from her mission to bring democracy to Venezuela, despite facing constant threats.
Trump once warned: Machado “MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE!”
Even before returning to office, Trump had publicly voiced support for Machado. In a post ahead of his 2025 inauguration, he called her a freedom fighter and warned she “MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE!”, signaling early alignment with her cause.
Machado dedicates prize to Venezuela and Trump
In her acceptance message, Machado dedicated the Nobel Peace Prize to “the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!”, a remark that seemed to echo Trump’s own version of their phone call.
Trump allies express disappointment and skepticism
Despite the praise from Machado, Trump’s allies did not hold back their criticism.
Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy for Venezuela, declared that “the Nobel Prize died years ago,” reflecting growing frustration among those who believed Trump deserved the award himself.
Former official: Nobel Committee may be sending a message
Benjamin Gedan, who led Venezuela policy under Obama, said the choice may reflect discomfort with US threats of military action.
“It seems to me that the Nobel Committee would prefer peaceful change,” he said, noting the contrast with Washington’s tone.
Trump thanks Putin amid prize disappointment
Before addressing Machado’s win, Trump publicly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for backing his efforts.
In comments made in Tajikistan, Putin said Trump was “doing a lot to resolve complex crises.” Trump reposted the video, writing: “Thank you to President Putin!”
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
