The White House appeared visibly irked after the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, instead of US President Donald Trump, who has long claimed he deserves the honour for his “peace-making efforts” and for “ending eight wars.”

Calling the decision politically motivated, the Oval Office criticised the Nobel Committee, saying it had “chosen politics over peace” by selecting Machado.

Machado, often dubbed Venezuela’s Iron Lady for her relentless fight for democracy, was also recently named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.

Defending Trump, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung wrote on X, “President Trump will continue to broker peace, end wars, and save lives. He is a true humanitarian whose determination can move mountains.”

His statement came shortly after Trump took a swipe at former President Barack Obama, alleging that Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for “doing nothing.” Trump remarked that Obama “destroyed our country” and called him “not a good president.”

Ahead of this year’s Nobel announcement, Trump reiterated that he wasn’t chasing awards but was frustrated at being overlooked despite his contributions to global peace — including, he claimed, mediating the Gaza conflict and “preventing a nuclear war” between India and Pakistan.

Trump has often stated that his diplomatic efforts “ended eight wars.” However, India has maintained that no foreign mediation played a role in its ceasefire understanding with Pakistan.

Interestingly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir have openly backed Trump’s Nobel bid, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Trump’s peace initiatives, particularly his role in de-escalating tensions in Gaza.

Maria Corina Machado: From Dissident to Nobel Laureate

On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2025 Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado, recognising her “tireless commitment to restoring democracy and peace in Venezuela.”

The 58-year-old politician has spent years challenging President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime. Despite being imprisoned, banned from traveling, and constantly persecuted, she refused to flee the country, emerging as a symbol of defiance and hope.

The committee praised Machado as a “brave and steadfast advocate for democratic values,” crediting her for “keeping the light of freedom alive amid Venezuela’s growing oppression.”

Machado, who has survived numerous threats and crackdowns, remains a key figure in the country’s pro-democracy struggle, inspiring millions through her resilience and resolve.