The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who dedicated the honor to U.S. President Donald Trump during her acceptance speech. The 58-year-old industrial engineer, currently living in hiding after being blocked from running for president by Venezuela’s courts in 2024, expressed gratitude for the recognition while emphasizing the collective effort of Venezuelans.
Machado stated, “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom. We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.” She added, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause.”
The Nobel Committee’s decision to honor Machado came amid ongoing tensions in Venezuela, where she has led efforts against President Nicolas Maduro’s regime. In a phone call with the committee’s secretary, Kristian Berg Harpviken, Machado said, “I have no words… I thank you so much, but I hope you understand this is a movement, this is an achievement of a whole society. I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve it.”
