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    Trump Calls Nobel Medal Presentation by Machado a “Wonderful Gesture

    3 days ago

    Former US President Donald Trump has described the presentation of a Nobel Peace Prize medal by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as a “wonderful gesture,” following a closed-door meeting at the White House. The move has drawn global attention, as Nobel authorities have clarified that such prizes cannot be formally transferred to another individual.

    Trump praised Machado publicly after the meeting, saying she had shown “mutual respect” by offering the medal in recognition of what she described as his commitment to democratic freedoms. According to people familiar with the discussion, Trump intends to keep the medal, despite its symbolic nature.

    Symbolic but Controversial Move

    The Nobel Institute has made it clear that Nobel Peace Prizes are awarded to individuals and cannot be passed on or reassigned. As a result, Machado’s action does not change the official status of the award. Nevertheless, the gesture has been widely viewed as politically significant.

    Machado, who has been a prominent face of Venezuela’s opposition movement, said she presented the medal as a sign of appreciation for Trump’s support of democratic ideals. Speaking to reporters after leaving the White House, she said the gesture was meant to acknowledge what she called Trump’s “unique commitment” to freedom and political change.

    Shifting US Stance on Venezuela

    The meeting comes at a time of uncertainty over Washington’s approach to Venezuela. Trump has previously expressed doubts about Machado’s ability to lead the country, citing a lack of internal support. He has also signalled openness to working with figures linked to Venezuela’s current power structure, raising questions among opposition supporters about future US policy.

    Machado’s political position has weakened in recent months after the US declined to clearly back her challenge to the existing Venezuelan leadership. Although her party claims victory in disputed elections, the ruling administration has rejected those results.

    During her visit to Washington, Machado did not provide details on any concrete commitments discussed during the meeting. However, she later told supporters gathered near the White House that she believed the US president could still be counted on, a statement that was met with applause.

    Background of the Nobel Award

    Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize was formally received on her behalf by her daughter at a ceremony in Norway, as Machado herself had remained out of public view for nearly a year. During that period, she reportedly lived in hiding due to political pressures in Venezuela.

    Her re-emergence on the international stage has reignited debate about her role in the country’s opposition movement and the future direction of US-Venezuela relations.

    Reactions and Implications

    Political analysts say the presentation of the medal, while symbolic, reflects Machado’s attempt to rebuild international backing and influence US decision-making. At the same time, critics argue that the episode underscores growing uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to democratic change in Venezuela.

    For Trump, the gesture adds to his long-standing interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour he has openly admired in the past. While the medal carries no official standing, its acceptance is likely to fuel political debate both in the US and abroad.

     

    As Venezuela’s political future remains unresolved, the meeting highlights the complex and shifting alliances shaping international diplomacy in the region.

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