Machado presents Nobel medal to Trump in a bold bid to regain US support as Washington navigates Venezuela’s post Maduro power struggle

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Thursday said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to United States President Donald Trump during a meeting in Washington.

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Maria Corina Machado, 58, made the disclosure outside the US Capitol after holding talks with lawmakers and attending a private lunch with Donald Trump at the White House.

The meeting followed months of strained relations after Donald Trump declined to publicly back Machado following the January 3 United States military operation that led to the overthrow of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

Maria Corina Machado said the gesture was a sign of recognition for what she described as Donald Trump’s commitment to Venezuelan freedom.

Donald Trump later described the move as a wonderful gesture of mutual respect, reviving his long standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a subsequent interview with Fox News, Maria Corina Machado said the moment was emotional and insisted Donald Trump deserved the honour.

It remains unclear whether Donald Trump accepted or retained the medal, as the Norwegian Nobel Committee maintains that Nobel prizes are non transferable.

Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize last year after a dramatic escape from Venezuela and dedicated the award to Donald Trump during the Oslo ceremony.

Despite the symbolic outreach, the United States president has continued to back Venezuela’s interim leader and vice president, Delcy Rodriguez.

Washington has signalled support for Delcy Rodriguez so long as her administration aligns with US policy priorities, particularly access to Venezuela’s oil resources.

The White House said Donald Trump spoke with Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction with developments in Venezuela.

Speaking during a state address to parliament, Delcy Rodriguez said her government was not afraid of diplomatic confrontation with the United States.

She delivered the address as Nicolas Maduro remained in custody in New York, where he is facing drug trafficking charges.

United States officials confirmed on Thursday that American forces had seized a sixth Venezuelan oil tanker as part of efforts to exert control over the country’s energy sector.

A US official also confirmed the completion of the first US brokered sale of Venezuelan oil since Maduro’s removal, valued at about 500 million dollars.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Maria Corina Machado as a brave voice for Venezuelans but declined to give a timeline for fresh elections.