President Donald Trump did not win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize — but in an unusual twist of geopolitics and symbolism, he may still end up holding the famed gold medal.
María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this year, is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday amid speculation that she may present Trump with her prize in gratitude for the U.S. military operation that removed Venezuela’s longtime ruler Nicolás Maduro from power.
Machado was selected by the Nobel committee for her efforts to advance democratic rights in Venezuela, work that forced her into hiding under Maduro’s government. Following the U.S. strike that captured Maduro on Jan. 3, Machado declared that she should lead Venezuela, citing her coalition’s success in the country’s 2024 elections.
However, the Trump administration has not endorsed her leadership. Instead, it has backed Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to oversee Venezuela’s interim government. Shortly after the raid, Trump referred to Machado as a “very nice woman,” but said she lacked sufficient support inside the country.
That view has not changed, according to a senior White House official, who said the interim Venezuelan leadership has cooperated with U.S. expectations. Trump told reporters Wednesday that he had spoken with Rodríguez and described her as “a terrific person.”
White House officials characterized Machado’s visit as one she requested, with Trump agreeing to meet her as a diplomatic courtesy.
The meeting reflects overlapping ambitions. Machado hopes to secure U.S. backing for a democratic transition in Venezuela. Trump, meanwhile, continues to seek recognition for what he describes as his role in ending global conflicts — frequently arguing that he deserves multiple Nobel Peace Prizes.
“President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize many times over,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. “His direct involvement in major conflicts — leveraging America’s military strength and economic power — has brought peace to decades-long wars. However, as the President has said, his priority is saving lives, not recognition.”
Uncertainty surrounds what Machado intends to do with her award. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has stated that the prize is solely hers and cannot be transferred or shared. Still, there is no rule preventing her from gifting the physical medal if she chooses.
After receiving the award, Machado dedicated it to the Venezuelan people and praised Trump’s support for her movement. In a recent television interview, she said the prize “belongs to the Venezuelan people,” adding that many would want to share it with Trump.
A communications adviser for Machado declined to comment on whether she plans to present the medal during her White House visit.
If offered, would Trump accept? According to a senior administration official: “If she wants to gift him something, he’s not one to refuse a gift.”
