Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to the people of Venezuela and U.S. President Donald Trump. She posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the prize recognizes the struggle of all Venezuelans. She added it gives her campaign a boost toward freedom. Machado said she stands with Trump, the U.S. people, Latin American nations, and democracies worldwide.
In Oslo, Nobel Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes presented the award to Machado. He praised her tireless fight for democratic rights in Venezuela and her efforts to secure a peaceful and fair transition from authoritarian rule. Machado’s selection reflects her leadership in resisting dictatorship and advocating for democracy.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously praised Machado for her resilience, calling her a symbol of patriotism. Machado is one of six Latin Americans to win the peace prize and the first Venezuelan. Her three adult children live abroad for safety reasons.
The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award of $1.2 million. The official ceremony will be held on December 10 in Oslo. It remains unclear whether Machado will attend the ceremony. If she cannot, she would join other laureates who missed the ceremony in past years.
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The U.N. human rights office welcomed the award as a recognition of Venezuelans’ demand for free and fair elections. The Nobel Committee expressed hope the decision will energize opposition forces in Venezuela to continue their struggle peacefully and with renewed resolve.