By Muhammad Mamman
Former United States President Donald Trump has accepted a Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, describing the gesture as one of “mutual respect”.
The development was disclosed in a brief statement circulated online, though details surrounding the meeting or exchange remain limited. Machado, a leading figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, has been internationally recognised for her political activism and resistance to the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump’s acceptance of the medal has drawn attention because he has repeatedly claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering diplomatic initiatives during his presidency, including agreements in the Middle East.
Machado has emerged as a prominent symbol of opposition politics in Venezuela, particularly after being barred from contesting the country’s presidential election, a move widely criticised by Western governments and rights groups.
There has been no immediate comment from the Nobel Committee, and it remains unclear under what circumstances the medal was presented or whether it carries any official standing beyond its symbolic value.
The exchange has already sparked debate among political observers, highlighting the intersection of global opposition movements, international recognition and Trump’s continued influence on the world stage.
