María Corina Machado, the renowned Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent opposition leader in Venezuela, has conveyed her appreciation for US President Donald Trump’s global peace initiatives. In an interview with the BBC, Machado stated her belief that Trump’s actions are significantly contributing to peace, freedom, and democracy worldwide.
Machado, who has been a vocal critic of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros and his administration, was recently honored with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her steadfast dedication to democratic reform. She shared that during a congratulatory call with President Trump, she expressed the deep gratitude of the Venezuelan people for his international efforts.
Trump, who has openly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize, has frequently spoken about ending conflicts during his presidency. The White House has previously stated that the Nobel Committee’s decisions sometimes reflect political considerations rather than a commitment to peace.
Machado, who has spent time in hiding due to threats against her life, was lauded by the Nobel Committee for her exceptional courage in advocating for a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in Latin America. The committee recognized her unwavering commitment despite significant personal risks, noting her actions have inspired millions.
The Venezuelan opposition leader was notably barred from participating in the previous presidential elections, which saw Maduro secure a third term. These elections were widely criticized internationally for lacking fairness and transparency, leading to widespread protests within Venezuela.
Despite the electoral ban, Machado successfully united the fragmented opposition, rallying millions behind the lesser-known candidate Edmundo González. Even after the official election results declared Maduro the winner, contradicting on-the-ground tallies that indicated a landslide victory for González, Machado continued her advocacy from hiding, facing persistent threats of arrest from the Maduro government.
Machado believes that international support, including actions from the Trump administration, is crucial in addressing the ongoing political situation in Venezuela. She described the current Venezuelan government as a “criminal structure” that relies on illicit financial flows from activities such as drug trafficking, gold smuggling, arms dealing, and oil black markets to maintain power. Machado emphasized that disrupting these financial lifelines is key to fostering change in the country, noting that the regime is already showing signs of instability.
Recently, US forces conducted an operation targeting a drug-trafficking boat off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. This operation is part of a broader US strategy against narco-trafficking in international waters. While these actions have drawn criticism from some nations, including Venezuela and Colombia, and have been questioned by international legal experts, the White House has maintained the legitimacy of its operations.