In a statement from the White House on Friday, former US President Donald Trump addressed his surprise over not receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Trump highlighted his support for Machado, claiming her victory was, in part, a recognition of his efforts.
Trump said, “The person who got the Nobel Prize called me today and said, ‘I am accepting this in honour of you because you really deserved it’… I didn’t ask for it, but I’ve been helping her along the way.” He emphasized his involvement in assisting Venezuela during its political and humanitarian crises, asserting that millions of lives were saved.
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Machado was recognized for her persistent advocacy for democratic rights and her dedication to achieving a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee described her as a “brave and committed champion of peace” and praised her work in keeping democracy alive amid global authoritarian trends.
Trump also connected the award to his broader peacemaking record, referencing the conflict in Ukraine and other international disputes. He stated, “I said, ‘Well, what about the seven others? I should get a Nobel Prize for each one.’ I stopped seven wars,” listing conflicts in regions including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Serbia, Israel, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Congo.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for Trump’s claim, posting on X, “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize — he deserves it!”
The Nobel Committee, meanwhile, emphasized Machado’s use of democratic principles as tools for peace, noting that democracy is a foundation for lasting global stability. They highlighted the rise of authoritarian regimes worldwide, repression of free media, and the increasing challenges to fair elections, framing Machado’s efforts as a symbol of hope for a democratic future in Venezuela.
While Trump expressed personal disappointment at not receiving the award, the global spotlight remains on Machado’s decades-long fight for freedom and justice, marking a significant moment for both Venezuelan politics and international recognition of democratic activism.
