How Maria Corina Machado Won the Nobel Peace Prize After Trump Snub

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the decision on Friday. The award recognizes her work to unite Venezuela’s opposition and resist militarization.

Machado was chosen from 338 total nominations. The list included former US President Donald Trump. Her win highlights a significant moment for democratic movements worldwide.

Decades of Democratic Activism Recognized

Maria Corina Machado is a prominent figure in Venezuela’s political opposition. She began her career in business before founding the Atenea Foundation in 1992. This organization was dedicated to helping street children in Caracas.

In 2002, she established Súmate to promote free and fair elections. She was elected to the National Assembly in 2010. However, she was expelled from her seat in 2014 by the ruling government.

She now leads the Vente Venezuela party. According to Reuters, she formed the Soy Venezuela alliance in 2017. This coalition brought together various opposition groups to campaign for democratic rights.

She announced a presidential run in 2023 but was disqualified. Machado then supported the opposition’s candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The ruling party later declared victory in that election.

A Prize for Courage and Resilience

The Nobel Committee specifically noted Machado’s personal sacrifices. They stated she has been forced to live in hiding due to serious threats. Despite this, she chose to remain inside Venezuela.

Her decision to stay has inspired millions of her compatriots. This award brings international attention to the ongoing political crisis in the country. It is seen as a strong endorsement of her non-violent struggle.

Former President Donald Trump had previously praised Machado. In January, he called her a “freedom fighter” after she was detained during a protest. This global recognition underscores the widespread support for her cause.

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize celebrates a lifelong commitment to democratic principles. Maria Corina Machado’s victory signals robust international support for Venezuela’s opposition movement.

Info at your fingertips

Who won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025?

Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy activist Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. She was recognized for uniting her country’s opposition and resisting militarization.

How many people were nominated for the prize?

There were 338 nominations for the 2025 award. This included 244 individuals and 94 organizations, among them former US President Donald Trump.

What organization did Maria Corina Machado found?

She founded Súmate, an organization dedicated to promoting free and fair elections. She also established the Atenea Foundation to aid street children in Caracas.

Why was Maria Corina Machado barred from running for president?

Machado was disqualified from running for president in 2023 by the Venezuelan government. She subsequently supported the opposition’s candidate to present a united front.

What did the Nobel Committee say about her personal situation?

The committee noted she has been forced to live in hiding due to serious threats. They highlighted her choice to remain in Venezuela as an inspiration to millions.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, The Guardian, Al Jazeera