Norwegian officials expressed shock after US President Donald Trump received Venezuelan leader Maria Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize in a White House ceremony. Machado, credited with leading the uprising against Nicolas Maduro, travelled to Washington to personally present the award Trump helped secure through his administration’s support. The former opposition figure hailed Trump as a key ally in her nation’s liberation during the emotional event.
The Nobel Committee had awarded Machado the 2025 Peace Prize for her non violent resistance that culminated in Maduro’s ouster. Trump displayed the gold medal prominently in the Oval Office calling it a symbol of American leadership in global freedom struggles. Machado’s decision to hand over the honour directly to Trump bypassed traditional protocols sparking debate in Oslo.
Norwegian diplomats privately conveyed dismay over the unprecedented move viewing it as politicisation of the prize. Trump supporters celebrated the moment as validation of his foreign policy triumphs including the Venezuela operation. Machado defended her choice stating Trump deserved recognition for enabling her victory against tyranny.
