In a remarkable diplomatic encounter at the White House, Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado presented U.S. President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting on January 16, 2026. The event occurred nearly two weeks after American special forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The Oval Office meeting featured a photo opportunity before the Declaration of Independence, where President Trump displayed the framed medal with evident satisfaction. The gesture came despite Trump’s previous statements indicating he would not support Machado’s political aspirations in Venezuela’s leadership transition.
Following the meeting, Trump expressed his appreciation on Truth Social, describing the encounter as a ‘Great Honor’ and praising Machado as ‘a wonderful woman who has been through so much.’ He characterized the medal presentation as recognition for his work in ending multiple conflicts, referencing his September 2025 United Nations speech where he claimed credit for terminating seven wars.
Machado, awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of democratic rights and peaceful political transition in Venezuela, described the meeting as ‘excellent.’ She explained the medal presentation symbolized ‘recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.’
However, the Nobel Peace Centre promptly clarified on social media platform X that while the physical medal could change ownership, the title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains non-transferable according to Nobel Foundation regulations.
In a consequential political development, President Trump has instead endorsed Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s deputy who was sworn in as interim president, citing Machado’s insufficient domestic support to lead Venezuela.