María Corina Machado, a formidable icon of Venezuela’s opposition movement, has been named the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her decades-long struggle for democracy and human rights was recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, placing her in the global spotlight and eclipsing the much-publicized candidacy of Donald Trump.
The committee’s announcement celebrated Machado as a pivotal unifier who successfully brought together disparate opposition factions. Her work was described as instrumental in creating a cohesive movement demanding free elections and a peaceful end to dictatorial rule in the South American nation.
The decision effectively ended weeks of intense speculation surrounding Donald Trump, whose supporters had been actively promoting his nomination. His push for the award, fueled by a recent Gaza ceasefire proposal, generated significant media attention but failed to sway the committee in Oslo.
Reacting to the news, a White House spokesperson asserted Trump’s unwavering commitment to global peace, stating that he would continue his work regardless of the Nobel outcome. The statement praised his “humanitarian” spirit and his unique ability to broker difficult agreements.
By choosing Machado, the Nobel committee has sent an unambiguous message about its priorities. The award favors the arduous, often thankless work of building democratic foundations over the more glamorous, but sometimes less durable, achievements of international diplomacy. It is a victory for perseverance and principle.