Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado has expressed a personal desire to hand her prestigious award to former U.S. President Donald Trump. This follows a dramatic military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuela's sitting president, Nicolás Maduro.
Machado's Remark to Hannity on Nobel Gesture
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday, Machado stated she would "love" to personally tell Trump that the Venezuelan people wish to give him the prize. She described the award as belonging to her nation's citizens, who now want to share it with the former American leader. This sentiment builds on her previous dedication of the prize to Trump in October, after he had publicly campaigned for the honour.
Machado told Hannity that Trump deserves the award, declaring that January 3 "will go down in history as the day justice defeated a tyranny." She emphasized that many had believed the events of that Saturday were impossible, solidifying her view that Trump has proven his worth to the world.
The Military Operation and Immediate Aftermath
The context for Machado's comments is a significant military strike in Venezuela on Saturday, January 3. During this operation, U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The ousted leader was swiftly transported to the United States, where he faces serious narco-terrorism charges. On Monday, Maduro entered a plea of not guilty in a U.S. court.
While Trump and his allies have celebrated the mission's success, stating the U.S. will oversee Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" of power, the move has sparked controversy. Critics have slammed the administration for not informing Congress of its intentions beforehand. Furthermore, some Republicans are seeking clarity on what U.S. "running" of the country entails, as the future leadership remains uncertain.
Political Shifts and Trump's Stance on Leadership
In the wake of Maduro's capture, Venezuela's vice president and oil minister, Delcy Rodriguez, was formally sworn in as the country's interim president on Monday. This creates a complex political landscape with competing claims to authority.
Despite Machado's overtures, Donald Trump has previously indicated he does not support her bid to lead Venezuela. On Saturday, he told reporters she lacked the necessary "respect" from the Venezuelan people, casting doubt on her potential as a national leader even as she praises his actions.
The situation continues to develop rapidly, marking a profound shift in the long-standing political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, with direct involvement from the United States raising significant geopolitical questions.
