Overview
- María Corina Machado said she gave her 2025 Peace Nobel gold medal to President Trump during a private White House meeting, and Trump later called it a “wonderful gesture” on Truth Social.
- The White House circulated a photo of Trump holding the framed medal and said his assessment of Machado remains unchanged, describing her as lacking sufficient support to lead Venezuela.
- The administration continues to back interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, with Trump praising a “great” call that covered oil, minerals, trade and national security, and supporting elections “in due time.”
- U.S. actions advanced economic and security aims, including a reported $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil and the seizure of a sixth tanker accused of violating sanctions in the Caribbean.
- Beyond the White House, Machado met a bipartisan group of senators and greeted supporters at the Capitol, where journalists reported chaotic scenes during her appearance.