No Nobel for Donald Trump, María Corina of Venezuela wins Peace prize

María Corina Machado, a stalwart leader of the Venezuelan democratic opposition, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The selection of Machado is a powerful endorsement of her non-violent struggle for human rights and democracy, sending a clear message of support to those opposing the authoritarian regime in Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump faced a setback as he missed out on the prize. Earlier in July, Trump reportedly called Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s finance minister and the former NATO secretary general, to ask about the Nobel prize. At his UN address, Trump claimed that he had halted seven “unendable wars”, adding “Everyone says I should get the Nobel peace prize.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, in its selection, recognized Machado’s unwavering commitment to peaceful political change in the face of immense personal risk and governmental pressure. As a key figure challenging the current Venezuelan leadership, she has consistently advocated for transparent elections and the restoration of democratic institutions, often at great cost to her own political freedom. Her relentless efforts have mobilized civil society and kept international attention focused on the nation's severe political and humanitarian catastrophe.