Overview
- Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a White House meeting on January 15, and Trump called the gesture “marvelous.”
- The Nobel Institute reiterated that laureateship cannot be transferred or revoked, noting that a medal’s physical handover does not alter the award’s status.
- Trump praised Machado but said he does not view her as Venezuela’s leader, and he disclosed a long call with Delcy Rodríguez focused on oil, minerals, trade and security.
- A U.S. official said the first sale of seized Venezuelan oil totaled about $500 million, with proceeds directed to Treasury-controlled accounts.
- A planned press appearance by Machado outside the U.S. Capitol devolved into a disorderly scene, and police escorted her away before remarks could begin.