Oslo/Washington – Former U.S. President Donald Trump was passed over for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which was instead awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her tireless struggle to restore democracy and human rights in her country. The decision marks a significant recognition of Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement and a sharp contrast to Trump’s controversial global legacy.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado for her “courageous and consistent efforts to uphold democratic values in the face of repression.” The committee cited her role in mobilizing Venezuelans against authoritarian rule and advocating for peaceful political change despite repeated threats, arrests, and disqualifications by the Maduro regime.
Machado, reacting to the announcement from Caracas, dedicated the award to “the brave people of Venezuela.” In a statement, she said, “This prize belongs to every Venezuelan who refuses to give up on freedom, truth, and justice. Our fight is not over, but today the world hears our voice.”
Trump, who was rumored to be among the nominees for his claimed role in “reducing global conflicts,” did not receive the award despite speculation within conservative circles that his foreign policy achievements — including the Abraham Accords — might earn him the honor. Supporters of Trump had publicly campaigned for his nomination, calling him “the only leader who brought peace without war.”
The Nobel Committee made no direct reference to Trump but reiterated that the award seeks to recognize individuals who have made “lasting and verifiable contributions to peace and human rights.” Analysts say the decision reflects the committee’s preference for grassroots democratic leadership over political power figures with polarizing records.
María Corina Machado’s win has been widely celebrated by democracy activists worldwide, particularly across Latin America, where she is viewed as a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism. Western governments, including the U.S. and Canada, also congratulated her, with officials calling the award “a tribute to courage in the face of tyranny.”
For Trump, the outcome is another missed opportunity to add international prestige to his legacy. Still, his supporters insist that his peace efforts — including diplomatic outreach in the Middle East and talks with North Korea — have had a lasting impact.
The award to Machado highlights the Nobel Committee’s continued emphasis on recognizing grassroots democracy movements and moral leadership — qualities that, for this year, outweighed geopolitical deal-making and high-profile diplomacy.