president sidelining her and openly coveting her Nobel Peace Prize. Since toppling Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump has said that Machado doesn't have the support of the oil-rich country's people and has instead backed Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez.

In a bid to keep on Trump's good side, the 58-year-old Machado has even offered to share her Nobel award with Trump, and the president indicated she might give it to him when they meet. After the meeting, Machado, who campaigned for years to end leftist Maduro's rule, met jubilant supporters outside the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been "looking forward" to his lunch with Machado, their first meeting since the dramatic US military operation that captured Maduro on January 3.

"He's expecting it to be a good and positive discussion with Ms Machado, who is really a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela," Leavitt told reporters as the meeting got underway -- notably without the typical presence of media. Trump would also be "talking to her about the realities on the ground in the country and what is taking place." (Bssnews)