UPDATE: In a historic meeting today, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House. This momentous event underscores the strong ties between the U.S. and Venezuela’s democratic movement.
Just hours ago, Machado, leader of Venezuela’s center-right Vente Venezuela party, met with Trump, who has been a vocal supporter of her fight for democratic rights in Venezuela. The Nobel Prize medal, awarded last year for her dedication to promoting freedom and sovereignty in her nation, was handed over as a gesture of gratitude for Trump’s backing. “It was a Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado today,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
Machado emphasized that the medal symbolizes the unity of their peoples in the pursuit of freedom and democratic dignity. “It is also a profound expression of gratitude for the invaluable support of President Trump and the United States for the Venezuelan people in this decisive struggle for our independence,” she declared.
This meeting marks a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, especially as Machado prepares to challenge the government of Nicolas Maduro in the upcoming 2024 elections. Despite winning her primary bid, Machado has faced a ban from running against Maduro, who remains in power amid accusations of election fraud.
“I want to assure you that we are going to turn Venezuela into a free and safe country,” Machado told lawmakers during her visit.
The Nobel Committee has clarified that while Machado can present her medal, the title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot be transferred. They reiterated this point after Machado first proposed the gesture earlier this month, following a U.S. military operation that aimed to destabilize Maduro’s regime.
During her visit to Washington D.C., Machado also engaged with lawmakers from both parties, reinforcing her commitment to Venezuela’s future as a strong ally to the United States. Meanwhile, Maduro’s government continues to face scrutiny and challenges, with political dynamics shifting amid ongoing unrest.
As tensions rise ahead of the 2024 elections, Machado’s actions and her meeting with Trump are expected to have significant implications for Venezuela’s political landscape. With Maduro’s regime still intact, the fight for democracy in Venezuela is far from over. The world watches closely as Machado asserts her vision for a liberated Venezuela.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
