Venezuela opposition leader presents Trump with Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented President Donald Trump with a Nobel Peace Prize during a private lunch in Washington D.C. Machado stated this gesture symbolized a historical exchange, likening it to a medal gifted by General Lafayette to Simón Bolívar centuries ago. She emphasized the award represented recognition for Trump's commitment to Venezuela's freedom. While Trump has publicly expressed a desire for the Nobel Prize, a spokesperson for the committee clarified that the award cannot be revoked or transferred. This meeting occurred shortly after Trump had expressed doubts about Machado's leadership within Venezuela. Despite these past remarks, Machado emerged from the meeting expressing confidence in Trump's support for Venezuela's freedom. The U.S. has recently taken action against Venezuela, including seizing an oil tanker, while also completing its first sale of Venezuelan oil. Machado's visit to Washington also included meetings with congressional lawmakers and a prior meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The White House stated that Trump's meeting with Machado was expected to be a positive discussion about the situation in Venezuela, though not necessarily to commit to an election timeline.