WASHINGTON D.C — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented President Donald Trump with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal during a private meeting in the Oval Office on Thursday, a symbolic gesture recognizing his role in supporting Venezuela’s push for democracy.

The presentation took place beneath a portrait of George Washington. Machado told reporters afterward that she drew a historical parallel to an event 200 years ago, when Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette gave Simón Bolívar — Venezuela’s independence leader — a medal bearing Washington’s likeness.

“Two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simón Bolívar a medal with George Washington’s face on it,” Machado said. “Bolívar kept that medal for the rest of his life. Actually, when you see his portraits, you can see the medal there. It was given by General Lafayette as a sign of the brotherhood between the United States and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny.”

She added: “And 200 years on in history, the people of Bolívar are giving back to the heir of George Washington a medal — in this case a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize — as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”

Trump later confirmed the gesture in a Truth Social post, calling it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect” and describing Machado as “a wonderful woman who has been through so much.” He wrote that she presented him with “her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Thank you María!”

White House officials said Trump accepted and is keeping the medal, though the Norwegian Nobel Committee has emphasized that while the physical medal can change hands, the laureate title cannot be transferred or shared. Machado was awarded the prize last year for her efforts promoting democracy and human rights amid Venezuela’s political crisis.

The meeting comes amid ongoing U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s affairs, including a recent military operation that removed former President Nicolás Maduro from power. Machado, a prominent figure in the opposition, has sought to build ties with the Trump administration to influence the country’s political transition.

Machado also met with U.S. senators on Capitol Hill later Thursday, where supporters greeted her with chants and Venezuelan flags. The Nobel Institute reiterated its stance that the award itself remains with Machado.