Overview
- During remarks at the White House with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenski, the U.S. president said he did not know María Corina Machado, calling her “very generous” despite her recent Nobel Peace Prize win.
- A week earlier, he publicly thanked Machado and claimed she called to say she was accepting the prize in his honor after she dedicated it to him and to Venezuelans.
- Machado posted on X that she dedicated the award to the “suffered people of Venezuela” and to President Trump for his support of their cause.
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited Machado’s efforts to promote democracy in Venezuela and encourage a peaceful transition as the basis for the 2025 Peace Prize.
- Public response has been polarized, with Nicolás Maduro and allied voices denouncing the choice while some commentators say the recognition boosts visibility and protection for Venezuela’s opposition.