Donald Trump claimed for months that he was owed a Nobel Peace Prize—but when the 2025 award was announced, the honor went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, known for her years-long fight for democracy. The world—and Trump himself—are watching how he’ll respond.
Trump has repeatedly touted his diplomatic record. At a meeting with Israeli leaders earlier this year, he declared, “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.” In a speech months later, he added: “I’ve done six wars, I’ve ended six wars … I didn’t do any ceasefires,” referencing diplomatic deals he claims to have brokered.
Before the announcement, Trump was a frequent favorite in speculative odds markets, with many placing him as a top contender. But when the Nobel Committee unveiled their verdict, Machado’s name was the one they read aloud.
In a statement posted to X, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said:
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2025 #NobelPeacePrize to María Corina Machado 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.”
Machado, an engineer-turned-politician, has remained vocal against Nicolás Maduro’s government despite being banned from running for office and facing serious personal danger. Her courageous, persistent advocacy for free elections and democratic governance has made her a symbol of opposition in Venezuela. The Nobel nod is likely to give her movement more international support—and draw sharp criticism from Maduro’s regime. The ceremony is scheduled for December 10 in Oslo.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to spotlight his own foreign policy credentials. He’s recently put forward a peace plan involving Israel and Hamas, claiming a breakthrough: “Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase … this is a GREAT day … and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.” But even as some troop withdrawals are slated, military strikes continue, and analysts warn that significant parts of Gaza would remain under occupation under the first stage. The tension, critics argue, underscores how fragile any “peace deal” may be in practice.
Bottom line: Trump’s claims of deserving the prize clash sharply with this year’s outcome. Machado’s win elevates the fight for Venezuelan democracy and places Trump’s successes—or perceived overreaches—into sharper contrast. The coming weeks will likely show whether he responds with humility, outrage, or political maneuvering.
