Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Thursday she presented President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. (Cristian Hernandez/AP Photo)
"Two hundred years in history, the people of Bolívar are giving back the heir of Washington, a medal, in this case the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize, as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom," Machado said.
Machado’s meeting with Trump came nearly two weeks after the U.S. captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and amid lingering questions about her political future. The meeting also followed comments from Trump casting doubt on Machado leading the country rather than endorsing the Venezuelan opposition leader.
"I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," Trump told reporters Jan. 3. "She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect."
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado waves a national flag during a protest in Caracas Jan. 9, 2025. (Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)
Machado responded, "Well, it hasn’t happened yet."
"I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to give it to him and share it with him," Machado continued. "What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step toward a democratic transition."
Despite her intent, the Norwegian Nobel Institute shut down the idea last Friday.
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"Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others," the institute said in a statement. "The decision is final and stands for all time."
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for a reaction.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Sinkewicz contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/venezuelan-opposition-leader-maria-corina-machado-presents-nobel-medal-trump-despite-institute-ban