President Trump welcomed Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for a luncheon at the White House on Thursday. This meeting followed Machado’s recent proposal to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, crediting him for what she described as a “historic” effort to oust Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela.
In an interview with Fox News, Machado expressed her desire to personally convey to Trump that the Venezuelan people, whom she believes the prize represents, wish to share this honor with him. “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition,” she stated.
Despite Machado’s accolades, the Trump administration has remained relatively silent on the matter of a democratic transition in Venezuela. Currently, the interim president is Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president. Trump recently referred to Rodríguez as a “terrific person” after a conversation with her.
Although some expected Trump to endorse Machado as a potential leader for Venezuela following Maduro’s arrest, he has refrained from doing so. He indicated that it may be challenging for Machado to assume leadership due to her perceived lack of support and respect within the country.
When questioned by CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil about her suitability to lead Venezuela in its post-Maduro era, Machado confidently stated, “the people of Venezuela have already chosen,” emphasizing her coalition’s readiness to serve the nation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that the president was looking forward to the meeting and anticipated a positive dialogue with Machado, whom she described as a courageous voice for many Venezuelans. However, she noted that Trump’s view regarding Machado’s leadership capabilities remains unchanged.
Machado’s offer to share her Nobel Prize was met with a response from Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, who clarified that the prize cannot be divided or transferred. Machado received the award for her role as a “key, unifying figure” within a previously fragmented political opposition advocating for free elections and representative governance.
In related news, the Pentagon confirmed the recent seizure of another oil tanker in the Caribbean, marking at least the sixth such incident involving vessels carrying Venezuelan oil. This week, the U.S. initiated sales of Venezuelan oil, completing its first sale valued at $500 million, with plans to sell up to 50 million barrels or more, according to Trump.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that funds from these sales are expected to start flowing back to Venezuela as early as Friday.
