According to a source close to the newspaper, despite the fact that Machado dedicated her award to Trump, her decision to accept the prize became "the greatest sin." "If she had refused and said, 'I cannot accept it because it belongs to Donald Trump,' she would already be the president of Venezuela," the interlocutor claims.
At a press conference dedicated to events in Venezuela and the kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, Trump noted that Maria Corina Machado would face many difficulties on her path to leadership in the country, adding that she is "a nice woman," but in his opinion, lacks the necessary support and respect in Venezuela.
Machado's team was surprised by Trump's comments, as reported by The Washington Post, citing sources close to her circle.
Maria Corina Machado became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in October 2025. She called this award "an acknowledgment of the struggle of all Venezuelans" and noted that it would serve as an impetus for achieving freedom. The award was dedicated to "the suffering people of Venezuela and President Donald Trump for his resolute support of our cause."
After the capture of Nicolas Maduro by American special forces, Machado stated that the opposition was ready to take power in the country. She believes that 74-year-old Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a former diplomat and opposition candidate in the 2024 elections, should become the new leader of Venezuela.
Trump also noted that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez expressed a willingness to cooperate with the American administration. Although she initially criticized the U.S. for the attack on Venezuela, she later called for dialogue and interaction.
Maria Corina Machado previously served as a member of the Venezuelan parliament and ran for president in 2012. In 2024, she became one of the leading figures in the protests against Nicolas Maduro's government and did not recognize the election results.
