Machado's Nobel Gesture Sparks Debate

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump, sparking discussions about the prize's significance and ownership rules. The meeting, emphasizing gratitude for leadership, highlights political tensions and the symbolic exchange amidst controversies regarding the Nobel Prize's distribution.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Newyork | Updated: 16-01-2026 09:25 IST | Created: 16-01-2026 09:25 IST
Machado's Nobel Gesture Sparks Debate

In a bold political gesture, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump during a high-profile meeting at the White House. This unexpected exchange, highlighting mutual respect, underscores the intertwined political tensions between Venezuela and the US, following recent military actions.

The encounter was encapsulated by a shared photograph in the Oval Office, commemorating the moment with Trump holding the framed Nobel Peace Prize. Machado emphasized the award as a personal token from the Venezuelan populace, praising Trump's decisive action to support Venezuelan liberty and stability, further fueling discussions on the legitimacy and dynamics of such awards.

The Nobel Peace Centre, responding to the incident, reiterated the non-transferable nature of the Nobel Prize, highlighting the distinction between medal possession and laureate status. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his belief in deserving the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending multiple global conflicts, contrasting with past controversies over the award's earlier recipients.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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