The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Friday that María Corina Machado has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The committee praised Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, as a “brave and committed champion of peace,” citing her efforts to advance democratic rights for Venezuelans and her role in advocating for a transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Machado, leader of the Vente Venezuela party, has long opposed Nicolás Maduro’s United Socialist Party, which has governed Venezuela since 2007. The committee highlighted her background as an engineer and financier, noting her career in business before becoming a political activist.
In response to the award, Machado issued a statement on X, urging global leaders—including former U.S. President Donald Trump—to support Venezuela’s struggle for freedom. “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom,” she said. She specifically thanked Trump for his “decisive support” and described him as a humanitarian capable of achieving significant change.
The White House communications director, Steven Cheung, praised Trump’s potential for peacebuilding but criticized the Nobel Committee for prioritizing politics over neutrality. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously nominated Trump for the prize, citing his achievements in regional diplomacy. A group representing families of hostages and terror victims also endorsed Trump’s candidacy, emphasizing his “tangible results” in global peace efforts.
The Norwegian committee’s decision has sparked debate, with critics questioning its impartiality amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
