Machado Gives Nobel Peace Prize Medal to Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on Thursday, as she seeks to influence how Washington shapes Venezuela’s political future.

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

In a social media post later on Thursday, Trump said: “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, who described the meeting as “excellent,” said the gift recognised what she called Trump’s commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people.

Machado’s outreach came after Trump rejected the idea of installing her as Venezuela’s leader to replace the ousted Nicolas Maduro. Trump had openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize before Machado received the award last month and publicly complained after being passed over.

While Machado gave Trump the gold medal awarded to laureates, the honour remains hers. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked.

Asked on Wednesday whether he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Trump has long expressed interest in winning the award and has at times linked it to his diplomatic efforts.