Donald Trump recently addressed his loss of the Nobel Peace Prize, asserting that the winner, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, told him he “really deserved it.” Trump has long expressed his ambition to win the prestigious award, previously bestowed upon four U.S. presidents: Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Woodrow Wilson in 1919, Jimmy Carter in 2002, and Barack Obama in 2009. This year, however, the prize went to Machado for her pivotal role in advocating for democracy in Venezuela.
Machado, aged 58, is widely recognized for defeating Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela’s 2024 election. Despite her victory, Maduro rejected the results, triggering a severe political crackdown in the country.
Trump commented on the Nobel decision, revealing a conversation with Machado. He stated, “The person who actually got the Nobel Prize called today, called me, and said ‘I’m accepting this in honor of you, because you really deserved it.’ A really nice thing to do.”
He added with a hint of humor, “I didn’t say, ‘Then give it to me’, though.'” Trump suggested the timing of the award was influenced by his 2024 presidential campaign, saying, “It was given after ’24 and I was running for office in ’24.”
The former president also alluded to his role in negotiating a recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He claimed, “There are those who say that we did so much that they should have done it,” emphasizing his belief that his efforts saved “millions of lives.”
Trump has repeatedly highlighted his desire for the Nobel Peace Prize, often citing his involvement in ending seven wars. The White House issued a statement criticizing the Nobel Committee, asserting that it “proved they place politics over peace” in their decision.
María Corina Machado was honored for her efforts to foster a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. Nobel chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes praised her as a “key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided.”
Frydnes further noted that Machado’s work occurred in a “brutal authoritarian state” facing a humanitarian and economic crisis. Her leadership has been instrumental in rallying opposition against Maduro’s regime.
In response to the award, Machado expressed gratitude and dedication. She stated, “We are on the threshold of victory and 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.”
Machado also dedicated her prize to the “suffering people of Venezuela” and to Trump for his “decisive support” of their cause. Her words underscored the international alliances she views as critical to her mission.
The controversy surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize highlights ongoing debates about recognition and influence in global politics. Trump’s reaction reflects his persistent pursuit of the award and his belief in the significance of his diplomatic contributions.