The Nobel Committee’s decision to award the 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has sparked unexpected reactions, with the recipient directly crediting U.S. President Donald Trump for his alleged support of her cause.
Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer who has lived in hiding since 2024 after being barred from challenging Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, expressed shock at the recognition. In a statement shared on social media, she said, “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom.”
She added, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!” Machado’s remarks came as the Nobel Committee faced criticism for overlooking Trump, who has long claimed he deserved the award.
The opposition leader also emphasized her focus on “freedom and democracy,” stating, “We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we 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.”
Machado’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some highlighting her unexpected gesture while others question the political implications of her endorsement. The Nobel Committee has not yet responded to requests for further clarification on its selection process.