Trump receives Nobel medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Machado

• Machado describes the meeting as ‘excellent,’ but offered no further details.
• The encounter occurs as Trump has expressed praise for Caracas’ interim leader.
• Trump’s focus has been on securing access to Venezuelan oil.

WASHINGTON: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a White House visit on Thursday, aiming to influence how he approaches the political situation in Venezuela.

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

Later that evening, Trump shared on social media: “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 called the meeting “excellent,” explained that the gift was a recognition of her belief in his dedication to Venezuelan freedom.

This move comes after Trump dismissed suggestions of installing Machado as Venezuela’s leader to replace the ousted Nicolas Maduro. He campaigned enthusiastically for the Nobel Prize prior to Machado receiving it last month and voiced frustration when he was overlooked.

While Machado presented Trump with the Nobel gold medal, the prize itself remains hers, as the Norwegian Nobel Institute states that awards cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked.

When asked if he wanted Machado to give him the award, Trump told Reuters: “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

The Republican leader has long aimed to win the Nobel and has at times linked the honor to diplomatic accomplishments.

The lunch, which lasted just over an hour, was their first face-to-face meeting. Machado also met with more than a dozen senators, from both parties, on Capitol Hill, where she finds more supportive allies.

During the visit, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Trump was eager to meet Machado but maintained he believes she currently lacks the support necessary to lead Venezuela in the near term.

Having fled Venezuela in a daring sea escape last December, Machado is competing for Trump’s attention with members of Venezuela’s government, seeking a role in the country’s future governance.

Following the U.S. capture of Maduro earlier this month in a covert operation, there is renewed hope among opposition members, Venezuelan expatriates, and politicians across the U.S. and Latin America that Venezuela might embark on a democratic transition.