Maria Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize After Years of Support from Trump on Venezuela Democracy Efforts

Today, the Nobel Peace Prize eluded US President Donald Trump despite his high-profile nominations. The Nobel Prize committee's decision prompted criticism from the White House, which claimed it demonstrated "they place politics over peace." Interestingly, this year's winner, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has repeatedly expressed appreciation for Trump's stance on Venezuela.

Machado, who has been advocating for international pressure to guide Venezuela toward democracy, expressed gratitude toward Trump during an interview earlier this year. She thanked Trump and his administration for their "unwavering support" to Venezuela's democratic cause. Following Trump's presidential victory last year, she joined other world leaders in congratulating him, stating, "We have always counted on you."

"I'm very grateful to the administration and to President Trump for his position on Venezuela. It has been unwavering support," Machado stated.

"I also must acknowledge members of Congress - senators, congressmen, and congresswomen - who recognize that Venezuela's regime presents an ongoing threat, already destabilizing the region and endangering both hemispheric and US national security. We're very grateful to President Trump for his decisions in this regard," she remarked during the May interview.

The Norwegian Nobel committee chair, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, described Machado as a "key, unifying figure" in the previously deeply divided opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.

After winning a decisive victory in the opposition's 2023 primary election and drawing large crowds at her rallies, Machado was barred from running against Maduro in the 2024 presidential election, forcing her into hiding.

Maduro subsequently won that election amid allegations of electoral fraud.

In January, Machado briefly emerged from hiding to appear at a protest before Maduro's inauguration. Following her brief detention and subsequent release, Trump issued a stern warning to Maduro on Truth Social: "These freedom fighters should not be harmed and must stay safe and alive."

She later expressed gratitude to Trump, acknowledging that his "unwavering support for Venezuela's fight for democracy is deeply valued."

"Your timely and decisive concern for my safety was a turning point... Thank you. We both know that freedom will prevail," she posted on X.

When Trump secured the US Presidential race in November last year, Machado congratulated him, expressing confidence in his continued support: "We know that we can count on the support of the peoples of the Americas and their democratic governments to ensure a swift transition to democracy. And we also know that we have always counted on you."

Last year, Machado and her ally Edmundo Gonzalez received the European Union's top human rights honor, the Sakharov Prize.

With today's Nobel Peace Prize, Machado has become the 20th woman among 112 individuals to receive this prestigious honor.

Following the Nobel Peace Prize announcement, the White House criticized the decision, claiming it proved "they place politics over peace."

"President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will," White House spokesman Steven Cheung stated on X.

Speculation had been building about the possibility of Trump receiving the prize, partly fueled by the president himself and reinforced by this week's approval of his Gaza Strip ceasefire plan.

Addressing questions about lobbying efforts for Trump, Watne Frydnes remarked: "I think this committee has seen any type of campaign, media attention. We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what leads them to peace.

"This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates, and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel."