Venezuela’s main opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and US President Donald Trump finally met at the White House. After the recent political events and crisis in Venezuela, the eyes of the whole world were focused on this meeting. On Thursday, Machado arrived at the White House for a lunch meeting. After this meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, Machado made a big claim, which intensified the discussion in political circles.
Nobel Peace Prize Medal awarded to Trump
Machado said he presented his Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during the meeting. However, he did not clarify whether Trump formally accepted the medal or not. When asked directly if Trump had accepted the award, Machado refused to answer the question. This step has been taken at a time when there have been speculations for the past few weeks that Machado may give some symbolic honor related to Trump’s Nobel Prize. Machado has previously praised Trump’s role in public forums. However, the organization that awards the Nobel Peace Prize has already clarified that according to the rules, the award cannot be transferred or shared.
He was greeted by supporters as he left the White House
When Machado left the White House after the meeting, her supporters gave her a warm welcome. Supporters chanted and Machado told them, “We can trust President Trump.” After this, some people chanted “Thank you, Trump”. Machado then left for other political meetings in Washington.
Machado received a gift from Trump
While leaving the White House, a red gift bag was also seen in Machado’s hand, on which the name and signature of President Donald Trump were present. The information about what was kept in this bag has not been made public at the moment.
White House statement
White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt called Machado “a remarkable and courageous voice” for many Venezuelans. However, he also clarified that Trump’s stance on Machado’s leadership prospects is the same as before. Trump has previously said that Machado does not have enough domestic support within the country.
Mutual support from the US
Despite being a Nobel laureate and a vocal supporter of democracy, Machado has received mixed support from the US. On the one hand, while some American MPs are openly supporting Machado, on the other hand, President Trump has publicly praised Delsey Rodriguez for his support in Venezuela’s oil and economic affairs.
First public appearance in Washington in months
Thursday’s meeting was Machado’s first public appearance in Washington in months. He had to leave Venezuela due to security threats. A pro-Maduro Supreme Court barred Machado from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. Independent observers say that opposition-backed candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won the election decisively, but despite this, Nicolas Maduro declared himself the winner and maintained his hold on power.
He also met with American parliamentarians
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who met with Machado, said Machado told lawmakers that the repressive regime in Venezuela has continued since the Maduro era. He described Interim President Delsea Rodriguez as a “skilled leader” who is becoming stronger with the support of President Trump.
What is Trump’s priority?
Donald Trump has already made it clear that his priority is to ensure US access to Venezuelan oil and stabilize the country’s economy. Delsey Rodriguez, who succeeded Maduro, has been praised several times by Trump, which indicates that US policy is currently more focused on practical interests.