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Nobel Prize 2025: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee described Machado as “a brave and committed champion of peace” and praised her leadership in unifying the country’s fragmented opposition.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Machado dedicated the honour to the “suffering people of Venezuela” and acknowledged the support of US President Donald Trump. She said, “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom. Today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.”

Earlier, Machado has also expressed her gratitude for Trump’s “unwavering support” for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement. Earlier this year, following her brief detention during an anti-Maduro protest, Trump publicly warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on social media, urging the safety of opposition leaders. Machado later described the US President’s intervention as “a turning point” for her and fellow activists.

Trump’s First Reaction

The United States President Donald Trump reacted publicly for the first time since the Nobel Peace Prize announcement, also responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s earlier comments praising his peace efforts. “Thank you to President Putin!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, after the Russian leader lauded him for “doing a great deal to promote peace.” Trump later reposted Machado’s tweet on his Truth Social handle.  The post marked Trump’s first statement following the Nobel Committee’s decision to award the Peace Prize to Machado — even as he maintained that he himself deserved the honor for “ending seven unendable wars.”

Although Trump did not directly criticise the committee for overlooking him, the announcement came just a day after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and prisoner-exchange deal mediated by Washington. Putin, meanwhile, voiced optimism about extending a key nuclear arms pact with the United States for another year, noting that “dialogue on peace must continue.”

But the White House sharply criticised the Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday after the announcement. White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the announcement, praising Trump’s leadership and vowing that the president would continue his peace efforts regardless of recognition, “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will. The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace.”

Machado’s Role in Venezuela’s Opposition

A former opposition presidential candidate, Maria Corina Machado won the 2023 opposition primary with a landslide victory but was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential elections amid allegations of vote irregularities. Despite facing political persecution and going into hiding, Machado has remained a central figure in the fight for free and fair elections, urging international pressure on Maduro’s government.

ALSO READ: Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2025: Here’s What Maria Corina Machado Will Take Home Along With Global Fame

The Nobel Committee highlighted her commitment to judicial independence, electoral integrity, and human rights. It called Machado “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times,” noting her ability to bring together Venezuela’s opposition despite deep political divisions.

ALSO READ: White House Slams Nobel Committee After Trump Overlooked For Peace Prize, Calls Decision ‘Politics Over Peace’

Thus the award not only honours her personal courage but also shines a spotlight on Venezuela’s ongoing struggle for democratic governance, sending a strong message to the international community about the importance of supporting human rights and democratic freedoms in the region