Overview
- Opposition leader María Corina Machado said Trump deserves the prize “for something as elemental as defending freedom,” a phrase that circulated widely on social media.
- Machado cited U.S. sanctions, diplomatic pressure and political backing for Venezuela’s opposition, while also asserting an unverified claim about a U.S. operation targeting Nicolás Maduro.
- Specialists noted that only certain officials, academics and past laureates can nominate candidates, cautioning that serious consideration would require broader institutional support.
- Supporters in opposition circles praised the proposal as recognition of U.S. backing, while critics argued it conflicts with traditional Nobel Peace Prize criteria.
- As the debate intensified, Chavista figure Diosdado Cabello led a nighttime security patrol in Caracas that the government presented as a display of territorial control.