Washington – United States President Donald Trump has accepted a Nobel Peace Prize medal presented to him by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, marking an unusual and symbolic moment in international political diplomacy.
The presentation took place during a meeting at the White House, where Machado handed over the medal as a gesture of appreciation, describing it as recognition of Trump’s role and support in advocating freedom and democratic aspirations for the Venezuelan people. The move quickly drew global attention due to the rare nature of a Nobel medal being gifted to a sitting US president by an opposition figure from another country.
President Trump later acknowledged the gesture publicly, calling it a sign of “mutual respect” and praising Machado for her resilience and political struggle. He described the meeting as an honour and expressed admiration for her efforts to bring political change and democratic reforms to Venezuela.
Machado, a prominent critic of Venezuela’s former leadership and a key figure in the country’s opposition movement, reportedly said the gesture symbolised solidarity and shared values in the pursuit of democracy, human rights and political freedom. Following the White House meeting, she also held discussions with US lawmakers, underscoring her push to maintain international support for democratic transition in Venezuela.
While the presentation of the medal has generated widespread debate, international observers have clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize itself is non-transferable, and the official recognition remains solely with the laureate. The act of giving the medal is therefore viewed as symbolic rather than a formal transfer of the award.
Political analysts say the event reflects the growing role of symbolic diplomacy in shaping global narratives, particularly amid shifting power dynamics in Latin America. The meeting also highlights Venezuela’s continued presence on the international agenda as discussions over governance, political reform and foreign involvement remain ongoing.
The unprecedented exchange has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters calling it a strong political message, while critics question the implications of blending symbolic honours with contemporary geopolitics.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.