Donald Trump had long claimed he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize, but when the 2025 award was announced, it went instead to Venezuelan opposition leader **María Corina Machado**, celebrated for her fight for democracy. The decision drew global attention—and curiosity about how Trump would react.

For months, Trump had highlighted his diplomatic record. Speaking to Israeli leaders earlier this year, he said, *“They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.”* Later, he added, *“I’ve done six wars, I’ve ended six wars … I didn’t do any ceasefires,”* citing deals he claimed to have brokered.

Before the announcement, betting markets listed Trump as a top contender. But when the Norwegian Nobel Committee revealed its decision, it was Machado’s name they read aloud.

In a statement on X, the committee said: *“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2025 #NobelPeacePrize to María Corina Machado 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.”*

Machado, an engineer-turned-politician, has stood firm against Nicolás Maduro’s regime despite being banned from office and facing personal threats. Her advocacy for free elections and democracy has made her a symbol of hope for many Venezuelans.

Her Nobel win is expected to strengthen international support for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement and provoke backlash from Maduro’s government. The award ceremony is set for December 10 in Oslo.

Meanwhile, Trump continues promoting his foreign policy record. He recently announced a proposed Israel–Hamas peace plan, claiming both sides had agreed to the first phase, though fighting continues.

The outcome underscores a sharp contrast: while Machado is honored for defending democracy, Trump’s self-promotion and disputed “peace” claims remain controversial.