Dim Amor

The Prize Committee in Oslo announced today that María Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader, is the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The decision came against the backdrop of widespread expectations and assessments that the prize would be awarded specifically to United States President Donald Trump, and it is generating political and diplomatic ripples.

According to Trump associates, the American president is disturbed by the committee's decision and is genuinely upset. The sources estimate that the Nobel Prize will have unexpected consequences, and emphasize that Trump does not forgive and will not forgive the fact that he did not win the prize.

The Prize Committee's official statement said that Machado is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her consistent work on behalf of democratic rights in Venezuela and for her persistent struggle for a peaceful and just transition from dictatorship to democracy. The committee emphasized that Machado led the democracy movement in the country and is considered an exceptional example of civic courage in Latin America. The committee further stated that Machado succeeded in uniting the opposition around the demand for free elections, and worked over the years for judicial independence, human rights, and genuine representation for citizens.

The Prize Committee noted that despite the regime blocking her presidential candidacy in 2024, Machado continued to fight through non-violent means, collaborating with another opposition candidate and thousands of volunteers who worked to ensure transparent elections. Despite threats and persecution, she remained in the country and became a symbol of hope and democratic struggle through peaceful means.

In January, Machado appeared publicly for the first time after operating underground for an extended period, fearing harm from the tyrannical regime of Nicolás Maduro. She appeared at a massive support rally in the city of Chacao, Venezuela, and within just a few hours was attacked and arrested by regime forces. Her arrest caused a major storm in the country and beyond, on the eve of Maduro's inauguration for a third term as president. After one day, Machado was released, and she continues to operate in the country.

When the Prize Committee was asked about the influence of pressures applied regarding the campaign for Trump's selection, it responded that throughout history, the committee has not responded to campaigns or media pressure. Committee members noted that they receive many letters every year from people calling for the selection of various candidates, but the committee sits in a room among the portraits of winners, and the room is filled with power and pride. The committee emphasized that it bases its decisions on Alfred Nobel's work and wishes.

The committee chairman expressed implicit criticism of Trump's conduct, noting that we live in a world with less democracy and want to support democratic forces.

The Hostage Families Forum responded to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee's decision, saying that although the Nobel Prize Committee chose a different winner this year, the truth remains clear and indisputable – there is no leader or organization that has done more for world peace than United States President Donald Trump. The forum emphasized that President Trump is working tirelessly, even at this very moment, to ensure the return of all 48 of our loved ones – the living and the deceased. The living who must return home to begin rehabilitation and recovery, the deceased for dignified burial, a burial and closure that has been denied to their families for far too long. According to the forum, history will remember his achievements as the most significant contribution to world peace in our generation.

Starting in the morning, according to the betting table on the Polymarket site, Machado established herself as the leading candidate. The table changed rapidly, and yesterday it was Sudan's emergency services that ranked first. According to Reuters, Sudan's emergency services and the UN refugee commission were the leading candidates to win. The main assessment among experts was that Trump would not win. The last time the Prize Committee convened was on Monday – before the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza.

Despite a series of nomination proposals from senior figures over the years, and political achievements that Trump himself attributes to his credit, such as the Abraham Accords and the initiative to halt fighting in Gaza, sources familiar with the Nobel Committee's work told the AP news agency this week that his chances are not high. Some experts noted that some of his actions may even harm his chances. One of the main claims is that the committee tends to prefer long-term peace efforts and institutions working to promote international reconciliation – not quick or noisy moves.

Since his first term, Trump has frequently mentioned publicly that he deserves the Nobel Prize, and even said recently at a UN rally that everyone says I should receive the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the prize rules do not allow a person to nominate themselves. Trump has been nominated for the prize several times since 2018, both by figures in the US and by foreign politicians. American Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, for example, recommended him for the prize for his role in signing the Abraham Accords. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Pakistani government also submitted his nomination in recent months – but after this year's final deadline for submitting nominations, which was set for February 1st.

Trump claims he ended seven wars, and even hinted recently that he could end an eighth war if his peace plan leads to ending the war in Gaza. He was the architect of the Abraham Accords, and just yesterday announced the first phase of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. Following the agreement on the first phase of the plan, which is supposed to include a ceasefire and release of hostages, calls to award him the prize have recently intensified, including from hostage families.

The Prize Committee's decision to award the prize to Machado instead of Trump raises questions about the political and diplomatic implications of the decision. Trump associates emphasize that the American president is very angry about not winning the prize, and that he does not forgive insults of this kind. Time will tell whether there will indeed be unexpected consequences to the committee's decision, and how Machado's victory will affect relations between the United States and the Nobel Prize Committee and Norway in general.

María Corina Machado. Photo: Reuters | Graphics: MAAKAV