17.01.2026 15:21
Maria Corina Machado, one of the leading figures of the Venezuelan opposition, presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump, which was met with backlash from the Venezuelan people. Some citizens reacted by saying, "Maduro, with his hands cuffed, did not feel humiliated in this way."
Maria Corina Machado, one of the leading figures of the Venezuelan opposition, presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting at the White House on January 15, but she did not receive the expected clear political support by the end of the meeting. Trump stated that presenting the award to him was a "very nice gesture" based on mutual respect.
Machado, who presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump last year, aimed to gain full support from America in the post-Maduro era but did not achieve what she hoped for.
MACHADO LEFT THE WHITE HOUSE WITH A GIFT BAG
It became a topic of discussion that Machado was carrying a Trump-branded gift bag while leaving the White House. This detail strengthened criticisms that the visit remained at a symbolic level rather than resulting in a concrete political gain.
"IT DOES NOT CHANGE THE WINNER OF THE AWARD"
The Nobel Committee stated in a statement following the events that Machado's presentation of the award to Trump would not change the winner of the award. The committee's statement included, "The medal and diploma are physical symbols that a person or organization has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award itself is an honor and recognition that cannot be separated from the person and organization specified by the Norwegian Nobel Committee."
The statement emphasized that many Nobel medals are currently displayed in museums around the world, and some individuals prefer to donate or sell their awards, stating, "Even if the medal or diploma is given to someone else later, it does not change the person who won the Nobel Peace Prize."
"HANDCUFFED MADURO WAS NOT HUMILIATED THIS WAY"
Machado's action was met with backlash from the Venezuelan people. The public is using artificial intelligence to create visuals suggesting that Machado bowed before Trump to present the medal, using expressions like "Handcuffed Maduro did not feel humiliated this way."
Other citizens expressed the following:
- "He is begging, this is very embarrassing."
- "Embarrassing for both. Why would you accept someone else's award? It's a complete disgrace."
- "Money is also given with the award. I wonder if he asked for money too?"
WHAT HAPPENED?
The U.S. had taken Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from Caracas to New York through attacks and military operations on January 3.
President Donald Trump had refused to support Machado, who declared victory in the controversial elections in Venezuela in 2024, as the country's new leader.
Currently, the presidency in Venezuela is being held by former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in an acting capacity. Meanwhile, Maduro's trial in New York is ongoing.