After the negotiations at the White House, Machado, who became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate last year, told reporters that she presented Trump with her medal as a token of gratitude for his exceptional dedication to the freedom of Venezuela. She noted that the meeting with the U.S. president was successful, and her followers can count on his support.
Donald Trump highly appreciated Machado's gesture, saying, "Maria presented me with the Nobel Peace Prize for my work. It was a wonderful sign of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria!" he wrote on his account on the social network Truth Social.
According to a source in the White House, Trump plans to keep the medal he received.
Press Secretary Caroline Levitt also added that, in the president's opinion, Machado does not have enough support to lead the country in the near future.
On January 9, Trump expressed a desire to discuss the situation with Machado on CNN, noting that she could be involved in some aspects of governing Venezuela after Maduro's overthrow. "I need to talk to her. I think it's good that she wants to come," he said.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute, responsible for awarding the Peace Prize, confirmed on January 9 that a laureate cannot transfer their award to others. "Once the Nobel Prize is awarded, it cannot be revoked, divided, or transferred. This decision is final and remains in effect forever," the institute emphasized.
Earlier, Machado expressed her desire to transfer the prize to Trump or share it with him. This statement followed after Trump rejected the idea of appointing her as the interim leader of Venezuela. According to The Washington Post, this happened because Machado did not agree to cede her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump.
