These clarifications were prompted by recent statements from Maria Corina Machado, one of the leaders of the Venezuelan opposition, who became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2025 and expressed her willingness to share the award with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Machado was awarded the prize for her "tireless efforts in defending the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and fighting for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." After receiving the award, she dedicated it to the "suffering people of Venezuela," as well as to Trump for his support.
Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces on January 3, Machado declared that "it is time for Venezuelans to be free" and expressed confidence that Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
However, Trump stated that the U.S. intends to work with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, a long-time supporter of Maduro, adding that Machado lacks sufficient support within the country.
According to The Washington Post, Trump allegedly refused to support Machado because she did not agree to yield the Nobel Prize to him, which he wished to receive. In response to these rumors, Trump stated that Machado "should not have won," but noted that the decision to award her did not affect his actions.
