A remarkable exchange unfolded on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, as Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado revealed a deeply symbolic gesture towards former President Donald Trump. She presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, a moment steeped in historical resonance and a plea for continued support.
Machado recounted the story of General Lafayette gifting Simón Bolívar a medal bearing George Washington’s likeness two centuries ago. Bolívar treasured this emblem throughout his life, a constant reminder of the alliance between the United States and Venezuela in their shared struggle against oppression.
“The people of Bolívar are returning the legacy of Washington,” Machado explained, framing her offering as a reciprocal act of solidarity. The medal, she asserted, was a recognition of Trump’s unwavering commitment to Venezuelan freedom.
This meeting occurred shortly after U.S. forces apprehended Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, adding another layer of significance to the encounter. It also followed Trump’s earlier, publicly voiced reservations about Machado’s ability to lead Venezuela.
Just weeks prior, Trump had questioned Machado’s support base and respect within her own country, acknowledging her as a “very nice woman” but expressing doubts about her leadership potential. This made Machado’s gesture all the more surprising to observers.
Reports surfaced indicating Trump’s disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize himself, particularly after Machado dedicated her award to him. However, the White House maintained that any decisions regarding Venezuela were based on pragmatic considerations.
Machado had previously hinted at the possibility of transferring the prize to Trump during a television interview, stating the Venezuelan people wished to share the honor with him, recognizing his pivotal role in potentially ushering in a democratic transition.
However, the Norwegian Nobel Institute swiftly and definitively rejected this proposition. In a formal statement, they clarified that once awarded, a Nobel Prize is immutable – it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred under any circumstances.
The presentation of the medal, despite the impossibility of transferring the prize itself, remains a powerful symbol of Machado’s hope and a testament to the enduring historical ties she believes bind the two nations in a common pursuit of liberty.
