Trump Claims Nobel Winner Machado Will Accept Prize for Him

On October 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump stated that María Corina Machado, the recently awarded Nobel Peace Prize winner, would accept her prize on his behalf. This announcement follows Trump’s ongoing quest for the prestigious award, which he has publicly sought but did not receive this year. Instead, the Nobel Committee selected Machado, a prominent Venezuelan politician and democracy advocate.

Despite the White House’s discontent with the decision, Trump indicated that he had received a personal call from Machado. “The person who actually got the Nobel Prize called today, called me, and said, ‘I’m accepting this in honor of you, because you really deserved it,'” Trump told reporters. He characterized her gesture as a “really nice thing to do” but added, “I didn’t say ‘then give it to me’ though.”

Machado Recognized for Courage and Leadership

Machado, who leads the democracy movement in Venezuela, was lauded by the Nobel Committee as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.” The committee highlighted her role as a unifying figure within a once-divided political opposition, emphasizing their collective demand for free elections and representative governance. They stated, “This is precisely what lies at the heart of democracy: our shared willingness to defend the principles of popular rule, even though we disagree.”

In a post on social media, Machado confirmed that she would dedicate the Nobel Prize to Trump as well as the Venezuelan people, further solidifying their connection despite the political divide. The announcement marks a significant moment in both leaders’ narratives, with Machado’s recognition underscoring her impact on Venezuelan politics.

Reactions to the Nobel Committee’s Decision

Trump’s aides reacted strongly to the Nobel Committee’s choice, with Steven Cheung, a Trump aide, denouncing the decision as a “snub.” Cheung asserted that the Nobel Committee “proved they place politics over peace,” while expressing confidence in Trump’s ongoing commitment to peace efforts. He stated, “Mr. Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives. He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.”

Historically, Trump is among several US Presidents who have sought the Nobel Peace Prize. Notably, Barack Obama received the award in 2009, just eight months into his first term. Other recipients include Theodore Roosevelt, awarded in 1906, and Woodrow Wilson, who won in 1919. Jimmy Carter was also recognized in 2002, making him the only former president to win the award after leaving office.

The announcement of Machado’s award and Trump’s subsequent claims reflect a complex interplay of international recognition, political ambition, and the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela. While the Nobel Peace Prize often serves as a platform for recognizing significant humanitarian efforts, this year’s award has sparked discussions about the motivations behind such recognitions in the context of global politics.