Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Shares Nobel Peace Prize Honor with “Suffering People” and Trump

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado partially dedicated her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging his “decisive support” for democratic efforts in Venezuela. The dedication came immediately after the Nobel Foundation announced her as this year’s Peace Prize recipient on October 10.

Machado, recognized for her persistent work advancing democracy in Venezuela, made the dedication in a post on X (formerly Twitter). In her message, she framed the prize as recognition for all Venezuelans struggling for freedom.

“This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom,” Machado wrote. She then broadened her dedication beyond Trump: “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!”

The Nobel Committee cited Machado’s sustained efforts to promote democratic principles in Venezuela, a country that has struggled with political instability, economic hardship, and accusations of authoritarian rule under the current administration. Her advocacy has made her a prominent voice for democratic reform in Latin America.

The dedication has attracted significant attention, particularly because Trump himself had repeatedly expressed that he deserved to win this year’s Peace Prize. During a news conference held the same day as the announcement, Trump claimed Machado had called him earlier, saying, “I’m accepting this in honor of you because you really deserved it.” While Machado’s public statement acknowledges Trump’s support, it does not precisely match Trump’s characterization of their conversation.

Political analysts note that Machado’s acknowledgment of Trump comes at a sensitive time in U.S.-Venezuela relations. The Trump administration has maintained a hardline stance against Venezuela’s current government, implementing various sanctions and diplomatic pressures designed to promote democratic reform.

The prize announcement itself has broader implications for Latin American politics. By recognizing Machado, the Nobel Committee has elevated the visibility of Venezuela’s democratic struggles on the world stage, potentially increasing international pressure for political reform in the country.

Venezuela has faced significant humanitarian challenges in recent years, with millions of citizens fleeing the country amid economic collapse, food shortages, and political repression. Machado has been a vocal critic of these conditions, consistently advocating for free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic institutions.

In her statement, Machado also emphasized the international dimension of Venezuela’s democratic struggle, noting that Venezuelans “count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.”

The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually to individuals or organizations who have “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations,” carries significant international prestige and includes a substantial monetary award. Previous Latin American recipients include Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sánchez, Guatemalan activist Rigoberta Menchú, and Argentine activist Adolfo Pérez Esquivel.

Machado’s recognition comes as part of a broader pattern of Nobel Peace Prizes being awarded to advocates for democracy and human rights in regions experiencing political turmoil.

As Venezuela continues to navigate its complex political landscape, Machado’s international recognition may provide renewed momentum for democratic reform efforts in the country. Her dedication of the prize to both the Venezuelan people and to Trump highlights the complicated interplay of domestic activism and international support that often characterizes modern democratic movements.