“We are counting on President Trump,” declared Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado after presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to the U.S. President. The handover occurred during a meeting at the White House on Thursday. Machado described the gift as a symbol of her reliance on Trump’s support for freedom in Venezuela.
The presentation is a direct appeal to Trump’s ego, as he has frequently expressed that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. While Machado handed him the physical award, the Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a statement clarifying that the prize is non-transferable. The honor remains with Machado, ensuring the integrity of the institution.
Machado used a grand historical narrative to justify the gift. She compared it to the Marquis de Lafayette’s gesture to Simon Bolivar, stating that the “people of Bolivar” were giving back to the “heir of Washington.” This comparison seeks to bind the two leaders together in a shared revolutionary heritage.
The meeting took place despite Trump’s previous dismissal of Machado as unfit. His administration has also been aggressively pursuing U.S. oil interests with interim president Delcy Rodriguez, using threats of force as leverage. This suggests a complex U.S. policy that balances political support with resource acquisition.
Machado’s positive remarks highlight her determination to secure U.S. backing. She emphasized that Trump cares about the suffering of the Venezuelan people. The gift of the medal serves as a powerful symbol of her commitment to the alliance, designed to overcome any lingering doubts the President may have.