By — Dan Cooney Dan Cooney Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/watch-machado-tells-reporters-why-she-presented-her-nobel-peace-prize-to-trump Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Machado tells reporters why she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump World Jan 15, 2026 6:32 PM EST Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado told reporters Thursday that she presented her medal for the Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during her meeting with him at the White House earlier in the day. Watch Machado's remarks in the video player above. Machado received the award at the end of 2025 for what the Norwegian Nobel Committee described as "her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." READ MORE: Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump Trump had campaigned openly to win the prize before the October announcement. Machado said she presented the medal to Trump "as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom." Their meeting came after Trump expressed doubts about Machado's ability to lead Venezuela after U.S. forces captured then-President Nicolás Maduro. As of Thursday evening, it was not clear whether Trump had possession of the medal. Even if he did, the Nobel committee said earlier this month that a prize "cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Dan Cooney Dan Cooney Dan Cooney is the PBS NewsHour's Social Media Producer/Coordinator. @IAmDanCooney
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado told reporters Thursday that she presented her medal for the Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during her meeting with him at the White House earlier in the day. Watch Machado's remarks in the video player above. Machado received the award at the end of 2025 for what the Norwegian Nobel Committee described as "her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." READ MORE: Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump Trump had campaigned openly to win the prize before the October announcement. Machado said she presented the medal to Trump "as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom." Their meeting came after Trump expressed doubts about Machado's ability to lead Venezuela after U.S. forces captured then-President Nicolás Maduro. As of Thursday evening, it was not clear whether Trump had possession of the medal. Even if he did, the Nobel committee said earlier this month that a prize "cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now