The White House has responded to the Nobel committee’s decision to present this year’s peace prize to María Machado, a Venezuelan opposition figure and democracy advocate.
Machado was named the recipient on Friday for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy”.
Her selection followed several public campaigns and nominations that pushed for the Nobel committee to acknowledge US President Donald Trump’s role in facilitating peace agreements in conflict zones, which many of his supporters argued made him worthy of the honour.
However, Jørgen Frydnes, chairman of the committee, emphasized that “we base our decision only on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel”.
Steven Cheung, White House director of communications, expressed disapproval of the committee’s decision.
“President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives,” Cheung said in a statement on X.
“He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will. The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace.”
In 2009, former US President Barack Obama received the Nobel peace prize for what the Norwegian Nobel committee described as “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”.
In a video shared on Thursday, Trump claimed Obama won the award for “doing absolutely nothing but destroying our country”.
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have poured in for Machado from global leaders and international organisations.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said the honour “reflects the clear aspirations of the people of Venezuela for free and fair elections, for civil and political rights and for the rule of law”.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, stated that the prize recognises Machado not just for her resolve and bravery but also “every voice that refuses to be silenced”.
Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, hailed Machado as “a voice for freedom worldwide”.
The 58-year-old activist, currently in hiding, became emotional upon hearing the announcement.
“I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this,” she said.
Machado said she would need time to process the news and extended her gratitude to the committee for the recognition.