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The United States Government harshly criticized the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 to the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, believing that the award was given for political reasons rather than for genuine merits in promoting peace.
Steven Cheung, director of Communications at the White House and advisor to President Donald Trump, criticized the institution responsible for the award, stating that "the Nobel Committee showed that they prioritize politics over peace."
“The president Trump will continue making peace agreements, putting an end to 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 strength of his will,” Cheung wrote in a message posted on the social network X.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, also expressed support for Trump after it was revealed that he would not receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.
"The Nobel Committee talks about peace. President Donald Trump makes it a reality. The facts speak for themselves. President Trump deserves it," Netanyahu stated on his profile on X.
The reaction from the U.S. Executive occurred just hours after the announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado, who the Norwegian Committee described as a key figure in the defense of democratic rights in Venezuela and an active promoter of a peaceful transition “from dictatorship to democracy.”
In the words of the president of the Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the Venezuelan leader is “a brave and committed advocate for peace, a woman who keeps the flame of democracy alive amid a growing darkness.”
Machado received the news of his election with surprise. A video released by the Nobel Institute shows the moment he was officially informed about the award.
“Oh my God… I am at a loss for words. (...) It is an honor, and I know it is very good news for the people of Venezuela,” he stated.
In her social media, the opposition leader dedicated the award to the Venezuelan people: “We are on the brink of victory and now more than ever we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our main allies to achieve freedom and democracy. Venezuela will be free!”
Trump, in search of the Nobel
Donald Trump had repeatedly expressed his desire to obtain the Nobel Peace Prize, especially since former President Barack Obama received it in 2009. He has often criticized that decision, claiming that Obama was awarded "without doing absolutely anything."
During his term, Trump has claimed to have resolved eight international conflicts, including the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as well as other supposed rapprochements between countries such as Kosovo and Serbia, India and Pakistan, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.
However, international experts have questioned the solidity of those processes, pointing out that in many cases formal treaties were not reached and hostilities continued after brief pauses.
The U.S. president has been formally nominated for the Nobel Prize several times over the past few months, although without success.
María Corina Machado, a symbol of the democratic struggle in Venezuela
Machado becomes the first Venezuelan to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, an event that has been interpreted as international support for the Venezuelan opposition's fight against the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The leader has been a key figure in bringing together a fragmented opposition that managed to unify around the demand for free elections.
In 2023, the regime prevented him from running for president despite his victory in the primaries, and in 2024, Maduro's government disregarded the electoral victory of the candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, whom Machado supported.
Currently, María Corina Machado is in hiding, pursued by the Chavista authorities, who have intensified repression against opposition leaders following allegations of electoral fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado and the Reaction from the United States
Why did the Trump administration criticize the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado?
The Trump administration criticized the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado because it believes it was granted for political reasons rather than for genuine merits in promoting peace. Steven Cheung, the White House Communications Director, stated that the Nobel Committee prioritizes politics over peace.
What has been María Corina Machado's reaction to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado expressed surprise and excitement upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, dedicating it to the Venezuelan people. She declared that the award serves as an encouragement to complete the task of achieving freedom and reaffirmed her commitment to the fight for democracy in Venezuela.
What does this Nobel mean for the Venezuelan opposition?
The Nobel awarded to María Corina Machado is seen as international backing for the Venezuelan opposition's fight against Nicolás Maduro's regime. It is a recognition of the democratic resistance in Venezuela and symbolizes support for a peaceful transition to democracy.
Why does Donald Trump want to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Donald Trump has expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize since Barack Obama received it in 2009. He has claimed to have resolved several international conflicts, although many of these processes have been questioned by experts due to their lack of substance.
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