However, the announcement has sparked political chatter in the United States after a letter surfaced, reportedly signed by several of Donald Trump’s close allies, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Florida Republican leader Rick Scott, nominating Machado for the prize. The letter, dated August 26, 2024, predates Trump’s return to the presidency, but it has now resurfaced, potentially causing discomfort for Rubio — one of Trump’s most trusted aides.
The letter, preserved in Senator Scott’s archives, highlights Machado’s “peaceful resistance to tyrants” and her leadership in organizing a non-violent democratic movement. It urges the Nobel Committee to recognize her “remarkable contributions” to peace and democracy in Venezuela.
Political analyst Marcy Wheeler pointed out the potential awkwardness for Rubio, noting on Bluesky that it’s “going to be an awkward day for Secretary of State–National Security Advisor–Acting Archivist Marco Rubio.”
Following the Nobel announcement, White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Trump on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives,” and criticized the Nobel Committee for prioritizing “politics over peace.”
In her acceptance message, Machado dedicated the Nobel Peace Prize to “the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support.” She emphasized that her movement still counts on Trump and democratic nations worldwide to help Venezuela achieve freedom and democracy.Trump, responding to the dedication, claimed Machado personally called to thank him and said she was accepting the award “in honor of you.” Trump added humorously, “I didn’t say, ‘Then give it to me,’ though,” concluding, “I’m happy because I saved millions of lives.”
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