María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has voiced her gratitude towards US President Donald Trump for his perceived efforts towards global peace.
In an interview with BBC Mundo, Machado revealed that she conveyed her appreciation to Trump during a congratulatory phone call following her Nobel win. She stated, “The Venezuelan people are grateful for what he’s doing, not only in the Americas, but around the world for peace, for freedom, for democracy.”
Machado, who has been a prominent figure in the campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her courage and advocacy for democratic transition in Venezuela. The Nobel Committee specifically cited her “tireless work promoting democratic rights” and her resilience in the face of threats against her life.
Trump, who has often expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize himself, has frequently highlighted his administration’s foreign policy achievements. The White House has previously criticized the Nobel Committee’s decisions, suggesting they prioritize politics over peace.
Machado emphasized the significance of international support for Venezuela’s struggle, noting that the award infuses energy and hope into the nation. She believes that by cutting off illicit financial flows supporting the Maduro regime, such as those from drug trafficking and smuggling, international pressure can contribute to a peaceful transition towards democracy in Venezuela.
The article also touches upon recent actions by US forces against suspected drug trafficking boats off the Venezuelan coast, which have drawn criticism from some nations and legal experts regarding international law.
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