Machado noted that this moment is historic for Venezuelans. After the meeting with Trump, she stated, "I think today is a historic day for us, Venezuelans." However, despite the awarding of the medal, Trump had previously not supported Machado's candidacy for the position of the new leader of Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro by American special forces. Instead, he established cooperation with Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president, who was previously the vice president.
"The medal can change hands"
After the meeting with Trump, Machado addressed her supporters gathered at the gates of the White House and assured them that they could rely on President Trump's support. "I presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to the President of the United States," she said, emphasizing that this recognition reflects Trump's unique commitment to freedom.
The question of whether Trump accepted the award remains open. He has often expressed his desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and voiced his dissatisfaction when the award was given to Machado. Last week, she announced her intention to share the award with Trump; however, the Nobel Committee confirmed that the prize is not transferable.
"Once the Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others," the committee stated. Before the meeting at the White House, the Nobel Peace Center noted in a social media post that while the owners of the medal may change, the title of Nobel laureate remains with the specific individual.
Machado also reminded how Marquis de Lafayette, a participant in the American War of Independence, gifted a medal depicting George Washington to Simón Bolívar, one of the founders of Venezuela. This gesture symbolized the unity of the two countries in their struggle for freedom.
"Two hundred years later, the people of Bolívar return the medal — the Nobel Peace Prize medal — to the heir of Washington as a sign of recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom," she concluded.
