Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado commented via social media on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, emphasizing that the distinction represents recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans. Machado called for unity to complete the goal of “conquering freedom.”
In her post, she highlighted that the distinction concerns not only herself, but the entire population of the country that has been fighting for years for freedom and democracy. As she characteristically stated:
“This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is an incentive to complete our mission: to conquer Freedom.”
Machado expressed optimism, emphasizing that Venezuela is “on the threshold of victory.”
Maria Corina Machado: International allies and dedication
The opposition leader referred to the country’s international allies, stating that she places her hopes in:
“President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic countries of the world.”
She dedicated the award to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump, for his “steadfast and decisive support for our cause.”
“Oh my god… I have no words.”
Listen to the emotional moment this year’s laureate Maria Corina Machado finds out she has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, shared the news with her directly before it was… pic.twitter.com/OCUpNz752k
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 10, 2025
Machado’s reaction after the announcement
Machado stated that she was “in shock” when she learned she was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, as seen in a video sent by her press team to AFP:
“Oh my God… I have no words,” she added.
That evening she was awakened by a call from Nobel committee secretary Kristian Berg Harpviken, and stated:
“I am grateful on behalf of the people of Venezuela.”
This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom.
We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic…
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) October 10, 2025
White House reaction
Earlier, there was a strong reaction from the White House, with communications director Steven Cheung accusing the Nobel committee of putting politics above peace.
In his X post, Cheung praised President Trump:
“He will continue to broker peace agreements, end wars, and save lives.”
He characterized him as “a man with a humanitarian heart” and added that “there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the power of his will alone.”
Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, with public support from several leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
