President Donald Trump has denied reports that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was sidelined because of her Nobel Peace Prize win, insisting the award played no role in his decision-making.
Addressing the controversy, Trump insisted the accolade had "no bearing" on his geopolitical strategy, though he offered a pointed critique of the laureate, remarking that she “should not have won” the prestigious award.
Responding to claims that her receipt of the prize influenced U.S. policy, Trump said the Nobel had "no bearing" on his geopolitical strategy.
He nevertheless criticised the decision to award it to Machado, saying she "should not have won".
His remarks followed a report by The Washington Post, which suggested Trump withheld support for Machado because she accepted the prize.
The Nobel Peace Prize is an honour Trump has repeatedly said he believes he deserves, having publicly criticised the Norwegian committee in the past for overlooking him.
Citing sources close to the administration, the newspaper reported that Machado’s acceptance of the award was viewed as her "greatest sin" in Trump’s eyes.
It said the decision was interpreted as a personal affront, despite Machado dedicating the prize to the U.S. president.
The report added that had she declined the Nobel, she might now be leading Venezuela, following the power vacuum created by the detention of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro.
The dispute comes at a critical moment for Caracas. After Maduro’s detention by U.S. authorities, governments around the world have been seeking ways to stabilise Venezuela.
Machado, who has spent years uniting opposition forces against the Chavista movement, has been widely viewed by international observers as the most credible figure to lead a political transition.
However, hesitation in Washington has complicated the process, raising questions about whether personal grievances are shaping U.S. foreign policy.
UK government response
While the U.S. position remains uncertain, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has moved to engage with Machado.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that London has established formal contact with the opposition leader.
"Her unwavering fight for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela, and against repression, is inspiring," Cooper said, adding that the UK would remain in close contact in the coming weeks.
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Iranian activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi was sentenced to a new prison term of 7-1/2 years, a group supporting her said on Sunday (8 February).
U.S. President Donald Trump has linked his push to take control of Greenland to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, as tensions with Europe escalate and the European Union considers retaliatory measures that could reignite a transatlantic trade war.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting on Thursday, 15 January.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, for her tireless efforts in advocating for democracy and a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iranian civilian and military officials have pledged their obedience to the new leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, with President Masoud Pezeshkian saying his leadership “will herald a new era of dignity and authority for the Iranian nation.”.
Kazakhstan has evacuated more than 7,300 citizens from the Middle East since regional tensions escalated, using both air and land routes to bring nationals home while closely monitoring political developments and potential economic effects linked to rising oil prices.
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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