Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Credits Trump in Nobel Peace Prize Dedication
OSLO, Norway — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has publicly credited former President Donald Trump for his pivotal role in sustaining Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, dedicating her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to him. Machado, who re-emerged from nearly a year in hiding, spoke to Fox News Digital about the critical support Trump provided during a time when many Venezuelans felt abandoned by the international community.
“I am absolutely grateful to President Trump for every gesture, every signal and every moment that he has stood with the Venezuelan people,” Machado said. “I have watched it very closely, and I know what it has meant for those who are fighting to reclaim democracy and freedom in our country.” She emphasized that a free and democratic Venezuela is not only possible but closer than ever, stating, “That free Venezuela is breathing louder than ever before.”
Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for her courageous leadership amid Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, was accepted on her behalf by her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, during the ceremony in Oslo. Machado’s dedication of the prize to Trump underscores the former president’s influence on the opposition’s resilience. “This Nobel Prize is symbolic of that fight for freedom and is dedicated to the Venezuelan people and to President Trump for showing what strong leadership looks like in the moments that matter most,” she added.
Her return to the public eye follows a period of intense pressure from the Maduro regime, including a brief detention during an anti-government protest in Caracas and nearly eleven months spent underground. Despite winning the opposition primary by a wide margin, Machado was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election—a move that drew condemnation from Western governments.
Experts like Roxanna Vigil, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, have noted Machado’s enduring popularity, describing her as “the most popular political figure in Venezuela.” Vigil highlighted Machado’s significant support base, which remains a formidable force against the Maduro government.
Machado has expressed hopes to visit the United States soon to formally honor Trump for his unwavering support. This comes amid ongoing debates about U.S. policy toward Venezuela, where the Trump administration previously increased pressure on the Maduro regime, including sanctions and diplomatic efforts to isolate the government.
As tensions persist, the U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely. The U.S. Department of State has maintained a firm stance on promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela, supporting opposition leaders like Machado. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has assessed various options regarding U.S. involvement, though direct military intervention remains a contentious topic.
Machado’s public acknowledgment of Trump’s role comes at a time when the international community watches Venezuela’s political landscape with concern. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo symbolized a moment of hope for Venezuelans yearning for freedom, with Machado’s daughter waving to supporters from the hotel balcony—her mother’s first public appearance in nearly a year.
For decades, Venezuela has grappled with economic collapse, political repression, and humanitarian crises under Nicolás Maduro’s government. Opposition leaders like Machado have faced persecution, exile, and imprisonment, yet their resolve endures. Machado’s tribute to Trump highlights the complex interplay of domestic resistance and international support shaping Venezuela’s future.
As the world observes, the question remains whether sustained pressure and solidarity will ultimately restore democracy to Venezuela. Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize and her dedication to Trump underscore the vital role of leadership and international alliances in that struggle.
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