Venezuelan Leader María Corina Machado Mentions Trump in Her First Words After Winning the Nobel Peace Prize

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado in recognition of her persistent fight for democracy and her nonviolent challenge to authoritarian rule. The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored her "for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela."

Shortly after the announcement, Machado publicly addressed President Donald Trump. She wrote, "Hoy más que nunca contamos con el Presidente de los EEUU" ("Today more than ever we count on the President of the USA"), signaling that she expects U.S. support for her cause. She also asserted that Venezuela is "on the threshold of victory" in its struggle for freedom.

Her message seems to address whatever feelings Trump could have about her recognition by the Nobel Committee and underscores an appeal to Trump's influence and power, connecting her victory to expectations of external support for democratic transitions in Venezuela.

This immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to complete our task: to conquer Freedom.

We are on the threshold of victory, and today more than ever we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our main allies in achieving Freedom and democracy.

Venezuela will be free!

Trump's Longstanding Drive for the Nobel

When the Nobel committee's decision was announced, many observers noted that President Trump had long sought the Peace Prize himself. He has publicly framed his diplomatic initiatives as efforts worthy of the award.

The reaction from the White House was less than congratulatory.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung accused the Nobel Committee of prioritizing "politics over peace."

"The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace," Cheung said in a social media publication. "President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will."

In August 2025, Trump said winning the Nobel Peace Prize would be "a great honor," while denying that he was actively campaigning for it. He cited his efforts toward peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and India‑Pakistan as evidence of his qualifications.

There are also reports that he personally reached out to promote his candidacy. Norwegian press outlets reported that Trump called Norway's finance minister, Jens Stoltenberg, to discuss his chances of a nomination. The call reportedly referenced both the Nobel prize and trade policies.

His pursuit is not merely rhetorical. In 2025, several governments have publicly nominated Trump for the peace prize. Pakistan's government formally recommended him, citing his role in helping ease India‑Pakistan tensions. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu also revealed he nominated Trump during a meeting, presenting a letter supporting his candidacy.

Despite those nominations, Trump's campaign fell short this year. In 2025, he was passed over in favor of Machado. The Nobel Committee's choice was announced before the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which some had hoped would boost his chances, meaning timing played a role in his exclusion.

Machado's Nobel win comes at a moment of intense political symbolism. With Venezuela mired in crisis and authoritarianism strengthening, her international recognition gives fresh legitimacy to opposition voices. Her message to Trump suggests she expects more than symbolic backing, she's projecting that international pressure should follow.

The pressure has been coming from the White House, naming Venezuela's President a drug dealer and a strongman, as well as mounting a military campaign in the Caribbean, which includes bombing small ships allegedly coming from the Venezuelan coasts filled with drugs, allegedly destined to the U.S.