Wonderful gesture: How Trump reacted to Machado presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal — did he keep it?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, an award she was conferred months ago.

In a post after receiving the medal, Trump took to Truth Social, calling Machado a “wonderful woman.” “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!” he wrote.

Machado said she presented Trump with her Nobel medal “as a recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom.” After the meeting, she told supporters that the interaction had gone well and that they could “count on” the US president.

A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal.

However, days ago, the Nobel Committee and institute clarified on the permanence of a Nobel laureates status. It announced that the prize can not be revoked, shared, or transferred to others.

The meeting came just days after Trump launched strikes on Venezuela under Operation Absolute Resolve, which led to the toppling of President Nicolas Maduro and his capture along with his wife, who were taken into US custody thereafter.

The US raid in Caracas on January 3 had briefly raised hopes among Venezuela’s embattled pro-democracy opposition, led by Machado, who had called for an “end to tyranny” in the country.

However, Trump soon sidelined Machado after the US kidnapped Maduro, arguing that she lacked both domestic support and the respect needed to lead the country.

Venezuela’s opposition maintains that Maduro rigged the 2024 election to deny victory to Machado’s party, allegations that have been backed by Washington.

On Thursday, the White House said Trump’s view of Machado remains unchanged.

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