Announcing the award in Oslo on Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
The committee described Machado as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America,” commending her efforts in uniting a once-fractured political opposition and inspiring hope for democratic reform in Venezuela.
Her selection marks a historic moment, recognizing years of activism against authoritarian rule in a country struggling with political repression and economic hardship.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had publicly sought the Nobel Peace Prize, reacted sharply after losing out. Trump had touted his role in brokering multiple international ceasefire agreements, including a recent ceasefire and hostage deal to end Israel’s war on Gaza.
Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), White House spokesman Steven Cheung said:
“President 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. The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace.”
Trump, who claimed to have ended eight wars since returning to office for a second term on January 20, 2025, had earlier stated it would be a “big insult” to the United States if he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
