Machado, a fierce critic of Venezuela’s former strongman Nicolás Maduro, won the award in 2025 for her campaign for greater democracy. Now she was leaving the medal in the White House, hoping the gesture might buy her something far more valuable: US backing in the fight to lead Venezuela’s post-Maduro future.

But, if she thought the gift might nudge the president toward providing a clearer endorsement, it appears she may be left waiting, at least for now. She was later photographed holding a Trump-branded swag bag as she left the White House – with little clarity on her political future. Machado is one of two figures vying for the leadership of a post-Maduro Venezuela. Trump has chosen to work with longtime regime insider Delcy Rodriguez, who is now acting president.

A photo released by the White House shows Trump beside Machado, holding a large gold-framed plaque that appeared wall-ready, containing the medal and the dedication: “Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people in recognition of President Trump’s principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela”. “Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The Oslo-based Nobel Peace Center promptly reiterated that the medals cannot be shared or transferred. “A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot”, the committee said on X. Meanwhile, a handful of Norwegian lawmakers reacted with dismay over Machado’s move as Trump’s threats of a US takeover of Greenland – a semiautonomous Arctic island and territory of the Kingdom of Denmark – continue. Raymond Johansen, a former Oslo mayor with the ruling Labour Party, called the move “unbelievably embarrassing and damaging”. (CNN)