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.
Speaking to reporters at the U.S. Capitol afterwards, Machado described the gesture as symbolic. She referenced history, noting that 200 years ago General Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal bearing George Washington’s face, which Bolivar kept for the rest of his life.
“It was given as a sign of the brotherhood between the United States, the people of the United States, and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny,” she said.
Machado added that, in this spirit, the people of Bolívar are giving back a medal this time her Nobel Peace Prize as recognition of Trump’s commitment to Venezuelan freedom.
A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal.
In a social media post on Thursday evening, Trump wrote, "Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!"
Machado described the meeting as "excellent." She gave no further details about the discussion but was warmly greeted by dozens of supporters outside. The lunch meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between Machado and Trump.
The lunch meeting, which appeared to last slightly over an hour, marked the first time the two have met in person. Machado then met with more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies.
The White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been looking forward to the meeting and expected a positive discussion with Machado, whom she called “a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela.” Leavitt added that the president still believes Machado does not currently have the support or respect needed to govern Venezuela.
Machado, who fled Venezuela in December in a daring seaborne escape, was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election by a government-aligned court. While Maduro claimed victory, outside observers say opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, backed by Machado, actually won more votes.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Machado last month. The Norwegian Nobel Institute says the prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.
Trump has praised interim Venezuelan president Delcy Rodriguez, saying she has “been very good to deal with,” while U.S. policy remains focused on rebuilding Venezuela’s economy and securing access to its oil following Maduro’s capture earlier this month.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia’s decision to change the leadership of its delegation for upcoming peace talks in Geneva appeared to be an attempt to delay progress.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticised a video shared by President Donald Trump depicting him and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, describing it as “deeply troubling”.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will begin a two-day visit to Slovakia and Hungary on Sunday (15 February), aimed at strengthening ties with the two Central European nations, whose leaders have maintained close relations with President Donald Trump.
The Munich Security Conference concludes on Sunday (15 February) with discussions centred on Europe’s role in an increasingly unstable global landscape, including security coordination, economic competitiveness and the protection of democratic values.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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