Machado stands by Nobel gesture to Trump despite controversy

Madrid— Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Saturday she had “no regrets” about symbolically gifting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump, defending the move as recognition of his role in Venezuela’s political crisis.

Machado made the remarks at a news conference in Madrid, where she said Trump had “risked the lives of his country’s citizens for Venezuela’s freedom,” referring to a U.S. military operation earlier this year that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The opposition leader had presented the medal to Trump during a January meeting at the White House, shortly after the operation in Caracas. The gesture drew international attention, particularly as Trump has long expressed interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified at the time that while a medal can change hands, the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred, revoked, or shared, and remains formally awarded to Machado.

Machado said the U.S. intervention was something “Venezuelans will never forget,” adding that her decision to give Trump the medal was deliberate. “Consequently, no, I have no regrets,” she said.

She also confirmed ongoing coordination with Washington regarding her planned return to Venezuela, describing the relationship as based on “mutual respect and understanding.” Machado added that she sees the United States as central to advancing a democratic transition in the country.

Her comments come as Venezuela’s opposition calls for new presidential elections following Maduro’s removal from power. Machado, who was barred from running in the 2024 election, has not yet confirmed whether she would contest any future vote.