The Nobel Peace Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the world, has sparked controversy this year following an unexpected move by María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader.
After receiving the honor in October 2025, Machado made headlines by offering her Nobel Peace Prize medal to none other than President Donald Trump.
Her reasoning and the timing of the gesture have sparked debates globally, with some praising her decision, while others question her motivations.
The Road to the Nobel Prize: Machado’s Political Background
María Corina Machado has been a vocal critic of Venezuela’s former president, Nicolás Maduro, and a prominent figure in the country’s opposition.
From 2011 to 2014, Machado served as an elected member of the National Assembly of Venezuela, before becoming a central figure in the movement to free Venezuela from Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
In recognition of her tireless efforts, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025.
Machado’s victory was notable not just because of her own contributions, but also because of the unusual background surrounding the award.
In the months leading up to the Nobel announcement, President Donald Trump had publicly stated that he felt he deserved the prestigious award for his role in global peace efforts.
Trump had even discussed the possibility of receiving the prize during his presidency, particularly citing his work in preventing global conflicts and brokering peace deals across multiple regions.
In a February 2025 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump expressed his frustration over not being recognized by the Nobel Committee, stating: “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.”
Machado’s Gesture: Why She Gave the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump
During a visit to the White House, Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal over to Trump, making a public gesture of solidarity and admiration.
In an interview with Fox News, Machado explained her actions, stating: "Because he deserves it."
She added: "It was a very emotional moment. I decided to present the Nobel Peace Prize medal on behalf of the people of Venezuela.”
The medal, set in a gold frame, was accompanied by a message that read: “To President Donald J. Trump. In gratitude for your extraordinary leadership in promoting peace through strength, advancing diplomacy, and defending liberty and prosperity.”
The gesture was framed as a symbolic act of gratitude from the Venezuelan people for Trump’s support in the fight against Maduro’s regime.
Machado likened the gesture to the one made by Marquis de Lafayette, who in 1825 sent a gold medal bearing George Washington's likeness to Simón Bolívar, the South American liberator.
“This is a sign of the brotherhood between the people of the U.S. and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny,” Machado said.
Trump’s Reaction and the Global Backlash
Trump was quick to respond to the gesture on social media. On Truth Social, he wrote: “It was my Great Honor to meet María Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today.
"She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, María!”
However, the public’s reaction to Machado’s decision has been mixed.
Many took to social media to criticize her for transferring the prize, with one person questioning: "What type of leader would she be for Venezuela if she bows down to another world leader this fast?"
Others labeled the Nobel Peace Prize itself as a "joke" following the controversial exchange.