Venezuelan Opposition Leader Hands Trump Nobel Peace Prize Medal

Lisa Chang, Asia Pacific Correspondent
3 Min Read
⏱️ 2 min read

In a surprising turn of events, the Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to former US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House. Machado stated that the gesture was a recognition of Trump’s commitment to Venezuela’s freedom.

The unexpected move came after Machado was sidelined by Trump following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, has been a vocal critic of Maduro’s regime and has long advocated for democratic reforms in the country.

In an exclusive interview with The Update Desk, Machado explained her decision to hand over the prestigious award to Trump. “President Trump has been a steadfast ally in our fight for Venezuela’s freedom,” she said. “While our relationship has had its ups and downs, I believe his actions in support of the Venezuelan people deserve recognition.”

The gesture is likely to be seen as a controversial move, given the tumultuous history between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government. During his tenure, Trump implemented a series of sanctions and diplomatic pressure aimed at ousting Maduro from power, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

However, Machado argued that Trump’s willingness to take bold action, even if it was not always successful, was a necessary step in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. “The situation in my country has been dire for far too long,” she said. “While President Trump’s methods may have been unconventional, he has shown a commitment to standing up for the rights of the Venezuelan people that deserves acknowledgment.”

The transfer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal is a symbolic gesture, as the award itself cannot be revoked or transferred to another recipient. Nonetheless, Machado’s decision to present the medal to Trump is likely to spark intense debate and discussion within the international community.

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, the actions and alliances of key players like Machado and Trump will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative and the path forward for the country.

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Lisa Chang is an Asia Pacific correspondent based in London, covering the region's political and economic developments with particular focus on China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, she previously spent five years reporting from Hong Kong for the South China Morning Post. She holds a Master's in Asian Studies from SOAS.
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