The Nobel Committee awarded the 2025 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, bypassing U.S. President Donald Trump despite his high-profile ceasefire deals.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, bypassing U.S. President Donald Trump despite widespread speculation that his recent diplomatic breakthroughs could secure him the honor.
Announcing the award in Oslo on Friday, the Nobel Committee praised Machado as a “brave and committed champion of peace” for advancing democracy in Venezuela while facing constant threats from President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
The decision surprised many observers, as Trump had been strongly tipped to win following a series of ceasefires he helped broker this year. His administration claims credit for ending conflicts between Israel and Iran, Thailand and Cambodia, and India and Pakistan. Most notably, a landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was confirmed almost simultaneously with the Nobel announcement.
The timing has fueled debate over whether Trump’s contributions were dismissed. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung criticized the outcome, saying the committee “places politics over peace.”
Reports suggest final deliberations took place before the Israel-Hamas truce was confirmed.
For Machado, however, the award represents international recognition of her decades-long struggle for democracy.
The prize underscores the committee’s emphasis on individual courage over state-led diplomacy.