In an extraordinary turn of events following the January 3, 2026, capture of Nicolás Maduro, María Corina Machado—the Venezuelan opposition leader and recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize—has publicly offered to "share" or give her prize to President Donald Trump.

Appearing on Hannity on January 5, 2026, Machado hailed the U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," as a "milestone for humanity" and suggested that the President’s decisive action in removing Maduro made him the true heir to the honor.

Inside the Nobel Controversy:
The "Shared" Honor: During her Fox News interview, Machado stated, "I would certainly love to be able to personally tell him that we believe the Venezuelan people... certainly want to give [the Nobel Peace Prize] to him and share it with him."

The "Ultimate Sin": The offer comes amid reports from The Washington Post that the President was privately "fuming" because Machado accepted the prize in October 2025 rather than refusing it in his favor. Sources claimed Trump viewed her acceptance as a personal slight, leading to his recent public doubts about her ability to lead Venezuela.


"Trust the People": Responding to Trump's claim that she "doesn't have the respect" to run the country, Machado urged the President to "trust the Venezuelan people," citing her coalition's landslide victory in the 2024 election.

The Delcy Rodríguez Pivot: While Machado offers her Nobel prize, the Trump administration has notably moved to work with former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as an interim leader, a move that has left the pro-democracy opposition "twisting in the wind."

A History of Dedication: Machado has consistently aligned herself with Trump, having dedicated the prize to him immediately upon its announcement on October 10, 2025, calling his support "decisive."

As Machado plans her return to Caracas from hiding, this "Nobel diplomacy" highlights the complex and often personal nature of the 2026 alliance between the White House and the Venezuelan opposition.