In a surprising move, Venezuelan human rights activist María corina Machado presented former U.S. president Donald Trump with a certificate commemorating her 2023 Nobel Peace Prize nomination on January 16, 2026. Teh presentation, which took place privately, marks a symbolic gesture acknowledging Trump’s past policies towards Venezuela and its ongoing political turmoil. machado’s nomination recognized her advocacy for democratic reforms in Venezuela, a nation grappling with a prolonged humanitarian and political crisis.
Venezuelan Activist Presents Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump
Venezuelan human rights activist María Corina Machado presented former U.S. President Donald Trump with her 2023 Nobel Peace Prize nomination certificate on January 16, 2026. Trump reportedly accepted the gesture with gratitude, calling it “wonderful.”
Machado was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her work advocating for democratic reforms and human rights in Venezuela. The presentation to Trump signals a symbolic recognition of his support for her efforts and the broader movement for change in the South American nation.
While the Nobel committee ultimately did not award Machado the prize in 2023, the nomination itself carried significant weight, highlighting the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela and the struggle for democratic governance. The gesture from Machado to Trump could be interpreted as an acknowledgement of his administration’s policies toward Venezuela, which included sanctions and diplomatic pressure on the Nicolás Maduro regime.
Trump responded to the presentation with a simple, “Maravilhoso,” according to reports. The former president has consistently maintained a strong stance against the Maduro government, and the acceptance of the certificate underscores a continued interest in the situation in Venezuela.
