Overview

• The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her pro-democracy activism.
• Machado dedicated the honor to the people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his “decisive support,” posting her thanks on X.
• Trump continued to dwell on the snub, amplifying Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement, urging that an “exception” could have been made, and highlighting his role in the recent Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.
• White House communications director Steven Cheung accused the committee of choosing “politics over peace,” and Trump said Machado told him she accepted the prize “in honor” of him.
• Rep. Claudia Tenney said she will keep nominating Trump and called for a new “Trump Peace and Prosperity Award,” as commentary questioned the prize’s timing rules and warned Machado’s selection could be used to validate interventionist policies toward Venezuela.