Maria Machado hails Nobel Peace Prize as 'immense recognition' of Venezuela's struggle, praises Trump's support
"I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!" she says
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has described her Nobel Peace Prize win as an "immense recognition" of her country's struggle for democracy and credited US President Donald Trump and the United States for supporting Venezuela's fight for freedom.
In a post on X following the announcement, Machado wrote, "This immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to complete our task: to conquer Freedom.
Este inmenso reconocimiento a la lucha de todos los venezolanos es un impulso para concluir nuestra tarea: conquistar la Libertad.
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) October 10, 2025
Estamos en el umbral de la victoria y hoy más que nunca contamos con el Presidente Trump, el pueblo de los Estados Unidos, los pueblos de América…
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"We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we have President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our main allies to achieve Freedom and democracy. Venezuela will be free!"
In another post on X, she further wrote, "I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!"
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Machado today (10 October) for her "struggle to achieve a democratic transition" in Venezuela, calling her a "key, unifying figure" who has inspired millions despite facing persecution from President Nicolás Maduro's regime, reports The Times of India.
"In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding," said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee. "Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist."
Speaking over the phone with the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Machado said she was "in shock" after hearing the news.
"I cannot believe it," she said. "This is something that the Venezuelan people deserve. I am just part of a huge movement. ... I'm humbled, I'm grateful and I'm honoured not only by this recognition, but I'm honoured to be part of what's going on in Venezuela today."
Machado added that she believes Venezuela is "very close to achieving, finally, freedom for our country and peace for the region," despite what she described as "the most brutal violence."
Her ally, Edmundo González, now living in exile in Spain, called the Nobel "a very well-deserved recognition" of her fight and that of Venezuelans.
Machado's win came amid speculation that President Trump — who recently helped broker a ceasefire plan in Gaza — might receive the prize himself.
Following the announcement, the White House said Trump "will continue making peace deals around the world, ending wars, and saving lives," while criticising the Nobel Committee for "placing politics over peace."
Machado becomes the 20th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize — and a symbol, she said, of "a nation on the threshold of freedom."
