Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has dedicated her newly awarded 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump and to the Venezuelan people. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized her long-standing peaceful struggle for democracy and human rights amid Venezuela’s deep political and humanitarian crisis.
A Prize That Shakes Latin American Politics
In her first public remarks following the announcement, Machado described the award as “a boost to complete our mission” of ending the rule of Nicolás Maduro. “I dedicate this prize to the suffering of the Venezuelan people and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause,” she wrote on social media shortly after the news broke.
The U.S. government responded coolly. Steven Cheung, communications director at the White House, stated that “the Nobel Committee has shown it prioritizes politics over peace.”
According to Washington sources, Trump had privately expressed hope that he himself might be recognized for what he considers his efforts toward international conflict resolution. Hours later, Machado released an open letter to Venezuelans in which she omitted any reference to Trump, instead formally dedicating the honor to her fellow citizens.
“I receive this distinction on behalf of the people of Venezuela, who have fought with courage, dignity, and intelligence for their freedom,” she wrote.
Machado said the recognition represents “a clear sign that the democratic world understands our struggle” and renewed her call for an immediate transition to democracy. “International support proves we are not alone,” she declared. “We stand on the threshold of victory, backed by our allies in the United States, Latin America, and the free world. Venezuela will be free.”
Between Repression and Hope
The award arrives at a pivotal moment. Since the disputed 2024 elections, in which Maduro claimed victory without releasing official tallies, Venezuela’s opposition has alleged massive fraud and total control of the judiciary and electoral system. Machado insists that opposition candidate Edmundo González was the rightful winner and claims to possess evidence of the real results.
Despite threats and political persecution, Machado has remained in Venezuela. The founder of the civic group Súmate, she has spent more than two decades promoting electoral transparency and free voting.
The Nobel Committee described her as “one of Latin America’s bravest voices” and “a leader capable of uniting a fractured nation around the defense of liberty.”
Its official statement read: “Democracy is a prerequisite for lasting peace. Honoring those who defend freedom is essential when authoritarian regimes rise.”
The prize includes 11 million Swedish kronor, roughly $980,000 USD. According to the Committee, Machado’s selection symbolizes civil resistance against abuse of power and honors those who continue fighting for a democratic Venezuela—even from hiding.