Caracas, Venezuela – October 10, 2025 – Venezuelan opposition leader María corina Machado expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump following the announcement of her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his governance’s pressure on the Maduro regime as instrumental in her fight for democratic change. The award recognizes Machado’s decades-long commitment to non-violent resistance against authoritarianism in Venezuela.
The Nobel Committee’s decision arrives amid heightened international scrutiny of Venezuela’s political landscape adn ongoing concerns over human rights abuses. Machado’s recognition is expected to galvanize the opposition movement ahead of potential negotiations with the Maduro government, and underscores the continued relevance of democratic ideals in a region facing increasing authoritarian challenges. The prize also comes as Trump publicly fixated on the possibility of receiving a Nobel Prize himself, a preoccupation noted by observers in both the U.S. and Norway.
Machado, in a statement released shortly after the announcement, specifically thanked Trump for his “heroic stance” against Nicolás Maduro. “The sanctions and diplomatic pressure applied during his presidency were vital in exposing the criminal nature of the regime and supporting our struggle for freedom,” she stated. She further emphasized that the prize is not just for her, but for ”all Venezuelans who dream of a democratic and peaceful future.”
Norwegian politicians have already cautioned about a potential reaction from Trump regarding the prize, given his past comments and apparent desire for the award himself. Concerns center on whether Trump will attempt to claim credit for Machado’s achievement or use the event to further his own political narrative.
The Nobel Peace Prize selection follows a period of escalating political tension in Venezuela, marked by disputed elections and widespread allegations of government repression. Machado, despite facing political persecution and a ban from holding public office, has remained a prominent voice for democratic reform. The award is anticipated to amplify her message and increase international pressure on the Maduro government to allow for free and fair elections.
