María Corina Machado was recognized for her tireless work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and pushing for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. Machado dedicated her prize to the Venezuelan people and publicly thanked Trump for his support of her cause.
Despite multiple nominations for the prize, including from Trump supporters like former Senator Marco Rubio and hopes expressed by global leaders, Trump's name did not make the final cut. The Nobel Committee did not explicitly cite reasons beyond their criteria, but speculation about political considerations circulated widely.
Trump publicly acknowledged Machado’s win in a congratulatory phone call and framed it as indirectly recognizing his contributions, claiming she accepted the prize "in honor of" him. Trump also criticized the Nobel Committee for alleged political bias, with White House officials accusing the committee of prioritizing politics over peace.
The White House labeled the decision a “political maneuver” amid a backdrop of Trump’s renewed peace efforts, such as his recent push to broker ceasefires in Gaza and prior diplomatic successes like the Abraham Accords. Supporters expressed outrage on social media, calling the snub unjust and rallying behind Trump's image as a peace advocate.
Analysts noted that while Trump’s peace initiatives have gained traction, the Nobel Peace Prize award tends to favor longstanding campaigners and avoids politically divisive figures, making Trump’s prospects for winning in 2025 highly unlikely. Some suggest he could be a more serious contender in coming years if peace efforts continue.