Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, dedicated the award on Friday to the “suffering people of Venezuela.”
A prominent figure in the resistance against Venezuela’s governing party, Machado used the occasion to acknowledge the honor and commend Trump for his backing.
Machado stated, “This acknowledgment of the struggle of all Venezuelans serves as an impetus to complete our mission: to achieve Freedom.” She continued, “We are on the verge of victory, and now, more than ever, we rely on President Trump, the people of the United States, the populations of Latin America, and the world’s democratic nations as our primary allies to attain Freedom and democracy.”
She further declared, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people and to President Trump for his crucial support of our cause!”
Machado has previously vocalized her support for the Trump administration’s measures against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government and the nation’s drug-trafficking operations.
Last month, after reports emerged of a U.S. strike eliminating 11 alleged Tren de Aragua narco-terrorists moving drugs from Venezuela, Machado appeared on “Fox & Friends” to address Maduro’s governance, stating it was time for him “to go.”
At that time, Machado stated, “On behalf of the Venezuelan people, I wish to express our gratitude to President Trump and the administration for addressing the tragedy Venezuela is experiencing.” She continued, “… Maduro has transformed Venezuela into the most significant threat to U.S. national security and regional stability.”
Trump has likewise been an outspoken critic of Maduro, and the U.S. is one of several nations that, as per Reuters, do not acknowledge Maduro’s government as legitimate.
During last year’s election, Machado mobilized millions of Venezuelans to oppose Maduro. Joergen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, characterized her as a “brave and committed champion of peace.”
Frydnes stated, “She is being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless efforts in promoting democratic rights for the Venezuelan people and for her struggle to facilitate a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Trump was additionally considered for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, an award given annually to an individual or organization recognized for substantial contributions to global peace, following his negotiation of a historic deal.
Rachel Wolf and Elizabeth Pritchett of Digital contributed to this report.