Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on January 15, 2026. This interaction followed the removal of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces earlier in the month, an event Machado attributed to Trump's actions. While Machado has declared her readiness to lead Venezuela, President Trump has expressed reservations about her suitability, instead engaging with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice-president, who has assumed the role of interim leader.
Removal of President Maduro and Interim Leadership
On January 3, US forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. Maduro was subsequently moved to New York to face various charges. In the aftermath of Maduro's removal, Delcy Rodríguez, formerly his vice-president, was sworn in as interim leader of Venezuela.
Ms. Rodríguez, 56, has been subject to US sanctions due to her roles in the Maduro administration but has not faced criminal charges from US officials. In a televised address, she stated that the Venezuelan government governs its own country, rejecting claims of external control. Ms. Rodríguez has indicated a willingness to cooperate with Washington and has engaged in diplomatic discussions, including a two-hour meeting with the Director of the CIA. Discussions reportedly covered potential economic collaboration and ensuring Venezuela does not serve as a haven for adversaries of the United States. She has also promoted the resumption of diplomatic ties and reforms in the oil industry to encourage foreign investment.
Machado's Stance on Venezuelan Leadership
María Corina Machado, a former legislator and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has declared her readiness to assume Venezuela's leadership, stating her coalition should "absolutely" be in charge. She expressed her intent to "serve our people as we have been mandated." Machado stated her belief that she would be elected Venezuela's first woman president and plans to return to Venezuela as soon as possible from an undisclosed location.
Regarding the 2024 presidential elections, Machado's party released vote tallies suggesting opposition candidate Edmundo González won by a landslide. However, Venezuela's electoral council (CNE) declared Maduro as president. The United States and dozens of other countries recognized González as the president-elect. Machado has also expressed a projection of winning over 90 percent of votes in free and fair elections.
Machado has criticized interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, asserting that "nobody trusted" her and identifying her as "one of the main architects... of repression for innocent people," as well as accusing her of being involved in "torture, persecution, corruption, narco-trafficking." Machado stated Rodríguez was "rejected" by the Venezuelan populace. Machado's articulated political objectives for Venezuela include transforming the nation into "the energy hub of the Americas," dismantling criminal structures, and facilitating the return of millions of Venezuelans who have fled the country.
US President Trump's Position
President Donald Trump has publicly voiced skepticism regarding María Corina Machado's suitability as Venezuela's leader. He commented that it "would be very tough for her to be the leader" and that "she doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that a meeting between Trump and Machado did not signify a change in Trump's assessment of her leadership potential. The White House has indicated support for new Venezuelan elections "when the time is right," though Machado reported receiving no firm commitment on an election timetable during her discussions.
Conversely, President Trump has expressed support for Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's interim president, describing her as an "ally" and a "terrific person." He stated that Rodríguez and her team have been "very cooperative with the United States." Trump also confirmed having a "great conversation" with Rodríguez after Maduro's ousting, which Rodríguez characterized as "productive and courteous." The Trump administration views Rodríguez as a stable and pragmatic choice for the US to work with.
Nobel Peace Prize Presentation and Reactions
On January 15, 2026, during a meeting at the White House, María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump. Machado stated this gesture was "a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom" and a "personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people" for his actions towards a free Venezuela. Trump acknowledged the presentation on social media, describing it as an honor and a "wonderful gesture of mutual respect," and the White House released a photograph of Trump holding the framed medal.
Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy in Venezuela, had previously stated her intention to give the prize to Trump. She drew a historical parallel between her gesture and a military general from America's Revolutionary War gifting a medal to Simon Bolivar, characterizing it as a symbol of brotherhood.
However, the Nobel Peace Center and the Norwegian Nobel Institute have clarified that a Nobel Peace Prize, once announced, "cannot be revoked, shared or transferred." They stated that while a medal can change owners, the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot be transferred. Norwegian political leaders criticized Machado's decision, with some describing it as "absurd," "embarrassing and damaging," and disrespectful to the prize's value. President Trump had previously expressed a desire for the Nobel Peace Prize himself, and his campaign had criticized the Nobel Committee's decision to award it to Machado.
Broader US-Venezuelan Engagements
Machado's visit to Washington included a closed-door discussion with a bipartisan group of senators. She emphasized the need for "real progress towards a transition in power, and/or elections in the next several months."
In related developments, US forces have continued efforts to control Venezuela's oil industry, including the recent seizure of another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, marking the sixth such vessel targeted since mid-December. The Trump administration has noted cooperation from interim Venezuelan authorities, citing the release of five Americans and other prisoners.
Within Venezuela, opinions on Trump's interventions and the leadership transition are diverse. Some opponents of Maduro have expressed concern over statements implying US control over Venezuela's resources. While Machado's supporters believe she has strong domestic backing and should lead, others align with Trump's view that Rodríguez should oversee the transition, citing concerns about instability and the potential for a backlash from current government supporters and armed groups.