UPDATE: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House today, presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. This surprising gesture highlights their shared commitment to democratic rights in Venezuela amidst ongoing political turmoil.
During the meeting earlier today, Machado, who leads the center-right Vente Venezuela party, expressed her gratitude for Trump’s support of the Venezuelan people. “It is also a profound expression of gratitude for the invaluable support of President Trump and the United States for the Venezuelan people in this decisive struggle for our independence and the restoration of popular sovereignty,” she stated, according to her party’s announcement.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to celebrate the encounter, stating, “It was a Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.” He emphasized that the medal symbolizes their mutual respect and the collaborative efforts for democracy in Venezuela.
Machado’s visit comes as tensions rise in Venezuela, where she has been a vocal critic of Nicolas Maduro‘s regime. Despite winning her primary bid to challenge Maduro in the upcoming 2024 elections, she faces a ban that prevents her from running. The legitimacy of these elections remains contentious, with the state-run electoral body declaring Maduro the victor over candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, despite allegations of electoral fraud.
Earlier this month, Machado publicly offered her Nobel medal to Trump to honor the U.S. military operation aimed at undermining Maduro’s authoritarian rule. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee swiftly responded, reiterating that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or revoked. “Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others,” they affirmed.
In a significant display of her ambition, Machado declared, “I want to assure you that we are going to turn Venezuela into a free and safe country, and into the strongest ally the United States has ever had in this region — when Venezuela is free.” Her visit also included meetings with lawmakers from both parties at the Capitol, underscoring her mission to rally support for her cause.
Meanwhile, Maduro’s government continues to wield power, with Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president, now acting as the interim leader. In a pointed remark directed at Machado, Rodriguez stated, “If one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so with my head held high, not on my knees.”
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Venezuela, with Machado’s actions and Trump’s support stirring hope among Venezuelans yearning for change. The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and the implications of this meeting could resonate far beyond the borders of Venezuela.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
