Venezuela’s María Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize; Trump Misses Out

October 10, 2025

Oslo: The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on Friday to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her relentless efforts in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela, as former US President Donald Trump was notably absent from the laureates’ list.

The announcement was made Norwegian Nobel Committee Jorgen Watner Frydness, who lauded the Venezuelan opposition leader who has kept the “flame of democracy” burning in darkness. Frydnes also called Machado a “brave and committed champion of peace”, adding that “democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent.”

The committee said Machado is a “unifying figure” in Venezuela’s opposition, which has been systematically suppressed by the South America country’s current government by “election rigging and imprisonment”.

“Venezuela’s authoritarian regime makes political work extremely difficult,” the committee said. “As a founder of Súmate, an organisation devoted to democratic development, Ms Machado stood up for free and fair elections more than 20 years ago.”

“Machado has brought her country’s opposition together. She has never wavered in resisting the militarisation of Venezuelan society. She has been steadfast in her support for a peaceful transition to democracy,” it added.

Machado’s Fight for Democracy

María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan politician and activist, has long been at the forefront of Venezuela’s democratic movement.

Through her political advocacy and grassroots campaigns, she has sought to challenge authoritarian governance and ensure the protection of civil liberties in a country facing severe economic and political turmoil.

The Nobel Committee lauded her perseverance in the face of personal threats and political repression, noting that her commitment has mobilised citizens and brought global attention to the challenges facing Venezuela.

Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize

Former US President Donald Trump, who had been considered a potential contender by some commentators due to his international initiatives during his tenure, was not among the Nobel laureates this year.

Analysts suggest that while his foreign policy actions received attention, they were overshadowed by ongoing global conflicts and controversies, leaving Machado as the standout candidate.

Global Reactions

The award has been met with widespread acclaim from human rights advocates and international leaders, who see Machado’s recognition as a reaffirmation of the importance of democracy and civic engagement.

In Venezuela, reactions have been mixed, with opposition supporters celebrating the accolade while government-aligned factions criticised the decision as politically motivated.

Significance of the Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize remains one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for efforts toward peace, democracy, and human rights.

By awarding it to María Corina Machado, the Norwegian committee has highlighted the enduring struggles of democratic movements under authoritarian regimes and the role of individual leadership in effecting change.