President Donald Trump received a symbolic gesture from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado when she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting at the White House on January 15, 2026. Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her steadfast commitment to democracy in Venezuela, described the encounter as positive and respectful. She said her gesture was meant to recognize what she called Trump’s support for the freedom of the Venezuelan people.
In a social media message, Trump expressed his appreciation, calling the presentation of the medal “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect” and thanking Machado for the honor. A White House official confirmed that Trump intended to keep the medal presented to him by Machado.
Despite the symbolic exchange, the Norwegian Nobel Institute has made clear that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred, revoked, or shared once they are awarded, so the official title remains solely Machado’s. Machado’s visit also included meetings with lawmakers, where discussions focused on Venezuela’s political future, democratic reforms, and ongoing international challenges.
The meeting came after significant political developments in Venezuela, including the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, which has stirred complex diplomatic and strategic decisions by the United States and Venezuelan opposition forces. Machado’s gesture was seen by some as a bid for Trump’s ongoing support, though the long-term impact on relations remains to be seen.
