Nobel Peace Prize Winner Praises Trump's Surprising Efforts for Global Peace

Nobel Winner Machado Praises Trump's Efforts for Peace In a surprise move, Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his efforts towards peace during a congratulatory phone call. Speaking to the BBC, Machado said she was "very glad" to speak with Trump and convey the Venezuelan people's appreciation for his work. According to sources close to the White House, Trump has long been interested in winning the Nobel Peace Prize himself, claiming to have ended seven wars. However, nominations for the award closed in January, just as Trump began his second term as president. A White House official responded to Machado's comments by stating that the "Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace." Machado, a prominent opposition leader from Venezuela, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her long-standing campaign against President Nicolás Maduro Moros' rule, which many view as illegitimate. During the phone call with Trump, Machado expressed her gratitude for his efforts in promoting peace and democracy around the world. "We're grateful for what he's doing not only in the Americas, but around the world for peace, for freedom, for democracy," Machado told the BBC. "I was able to convey to him our appreciation." The phone call has sparked controversy, with some questioning the timing of Trump's congratulatory message and others criticizing Machado's decision to praise the US president. Machado's comments come as Venezuela continues to grapple with a 12-year economic crisis under Maduro's rule. The country's opposition has been working tirelessly to bring about change, with many calling for free and fair elections. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to individuals or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to promoting peace and conflict resolution. This year's award marked a significant milestone in Machado's long-standing campaign against Maduro's rule. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, international observers are closely watching developments. The United Nations has called for free and fair elections in the country, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking officials under Maduro's regime. The Nobel Committee has yet to comment on Machado's phone call with Trump or the controversy surrounding it. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the world is watching Venezuela closely, and the road to peace remains a long and challenging one. *Reporting by Bbc.*