The committee for the Nobel Peace Prize named Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado the recipient of this year’s award.
Machado was recognized for her efforts against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Machado received the award over President Donald Trump, who generated much attention as a possible recipient of the prize for his efforts in resolving multiple foreign conflicts.
However, the deadline for this year’s nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize was Feb. 1, 2025, according to reports. Trump began his second term on Jan. 20, and his work to resolve global conflicts did not begin until months later. However, his accomplishments would make him eligible for next year’s award.
Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, deemed Machado a worthy recipient. He characterized the Venezuelan politician, who was forced to go into hiding in her country on multiple occasions to avoid persecution, as a “brave and committed champion of peace.”
“She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize 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,” said Frydnes.
Frydnes hailed her bravery and lauded her “civilian courage.” He also celebrated her as a beacon of democracy.
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“As the leader of the Democratic Forces in Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America,” Frydnes said. “Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent, who dare to step forward despite grave risk, and who remind us that freedom must never be taken for granted, but must always be defended with words, with courage, and with determination.”
“She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize 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,” Frydnes said.
White House communications director Steven Cheung took to social media on Friday morning to blast the Nobel committee’s decision, claiming they prioritized “politics over peace.”
“President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives,” Cheung posted. “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.”
