U.S. President Donald Trump met Venezuelan opposition leader Mar&iacute;a Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday, where she presented him with the medal from her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize as a symbolic gesture recognising his role in recent Venezuelan developments. Machado, who won the prize for her efforts toward democratic reforms in Venezuela, offered the medal to Trump during their discussion, and the White House confirmed that he accepted the physical medal.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred or shared, meaning the honour remains Machado&rsquo;s despite the symbolic presentation.
The meeting came amid significant political shifts in Venezuela, following the U.S.-assisted capture of former President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro. Despite Machado&rsquo;s gesture, Trump has expressed doubts about her ability to lead Venezuela and has shown openness to working with acting President Delcy Rodr&iacute;guez, who succeeded Maduro.
Machado travelled to Washington after months out of the public eye, having emerged from hiding to receive the Nobel Prize in Norway late last year. Her visit included engagements with lawmakers in addition to the White House meeting. The discussions touched on Venezuela&rsquo;s political transition and the timing of democratic elections, though details have not been fully disclosed.&nbsp;
The event drew attention internationally due to the unusual nature of the medal presentation and its implications for U.S.&ndash;Venezuela relations. The Nobel Committee&rsquo;s position underscores that while medals can physically change hands, the title of Nobel laureate is permanent and non-transferable.

Venezuelan leader gives Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump in symbolic White House meeting

Trump Meets Machado as She Presents Nobel Medal

Venezuelan leader gives Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump in symbolic White House meeting

January 16, 2026 | 17:17 IST