In a surprising diplomatic gesture, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has revealed she presented former US President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting in Washington.
A High-Profile Meeting in the US Capital
The encounter took place on Thursday, though the exact location was not disclosed. Machado, a prominent figure leading the challenge against the government of Nicolás Maduro, confirmed the symbolic presentation to reporters. She did not, however, clarify whether the former president accepted the prestigious award.
The meeting underscores the continued engagement of key Venezuelan opposition figures with influential international players, seeking support for their cause. Trump's stance on Venezuela during his presidency was notably hardline, recognising opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's legitimate president and imposing significant economic sanctions on Maduro's socialist government.
Symbolism and Unanswered Questions
The act of presenting a Nobel medal is laden with political symbolism. By offering her medal, Machado may have been attempting to acknowledge Trump's past support or to encourage future backing for Venezuela's democratic transition. The Nobel Peace Prize she received was awarded for her longstanding, non-violent struggle for human rights and democracy in her home country.
Machado exited the meeting without providing further details to the press corps, leaving a key question hanging in the air. The uncertainty over whether Trump took possession of the medal adds an intriguing layer to the event's narrative.
This development comes at a critical juncture for Venezuela, which remains mired in a profound political and economic crisis. The opposition continues to seek leverage and international pressure to restore democratic norms.
