Next time, Trump! Nobel Peace prize goes to Venezuelan activist

María Corina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, honoring her tireless pursuit of democratic rights and a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. While Machado claimed the award, U.S. President Donald Trump’s bid fell just short, despite his tireless efforts to promote peace across the globe.

Next time, Mr. Trump! Your dedication to global peace from negotiating ceasefires in Azerbaijan, advocating for stability in Afghanistan, fostering diplomacy in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, attempting to mediate tensions between India-Pakistan, to encouraging dialogue between Israel and Palestine has not gone unnoticed. While the Nobel Committee selected Machado this year, your efforts have inspired millions, strengthened international diplomacy, and earned admiration from world leaders and even the laureate herself.

Machado earned the Nobel Peace Prize for her extraordinary courage and nonviolent approach to political change. As a unifying figure in Venezuela’s divided opposition, she rallied citizens to demand free and fair elections, judicial independence, and human rights. Through Súmate, dedicated to promoting free and fair elections, she mobilized hundreds of thousands of volunteers as election observers, risking harassment, arrest, and torture, exemplifying the principles of peaceful activism and civic responsibility honored by the Nobel Committee.

In a touching gesture, Machado dedicated her Nobel Prize to Trump in a tweet on X, writing:

_"This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom.

We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.

I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!"_

The announcement drew largely positive reactions , highlighting her long-standing dedication to Venezuela’s democratic cause, some expressed disappointment. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had posted on X a day before the results, urging, “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize - he deserves it! ”

Some observers noted Trump’s near-miss, humorously suggesting that his larger-than-life theatrics might have played a role, yet acknowledging that he genuinely tried to advance peace across the globe and deserves respect for his efforts. Social media buzzed with a mix of humor, admiration, and particular attention to Machado’s dedication of her prize to Trump.

While the Nobel Committee keeps the full list of nominees confidential for 50 years, it confirmed there were 338 candidates this year, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations. Notable nominees included Donald Trump, JA Worldwide (for youth education and empowerment), and Hind Rajab, posthumously nominated to highlight the plight of children affected by conflict in Gaza.

In a world where authoritarianism and conflict threaten global stability, María Corina Machado’s recognition highlights the power of nonviolent activism, civic courage, and democratic principles. At the same time, Donald Trump’s tireless work across multiple international crises demonstrates that the pursuit of peace demands vision, tenacity, and perseverance qualities that continue to inspire millions globally.