“Allow me to first acknowledge Ms. Machado’s generous gesture in presenting the peace prize,” she remarked. “I have also expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to navigate these changes collectively,” she added.

María Corina Machado, who described the meeting as “excellent,” explained to reporters that her action was a nod to his dedication to the freedom of the Venezuelan people.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was seen waving to supporters after her meeting at the White House with Donald Trump. The image, captured by Chip Somodevilla, was sourced from Getty Images.

Machado’s gesture seemed to reflect her aspirations to influence the future trajectory of Venezuela.

When questioned on Wednesday about whether he requested the prize from Machado, Trump clarified, “No, I didn’t say that. She is the one who won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Her gesture appeared to be part of her effort to gain influence over the future direction of her country.

Asked on Wednesday if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump said: “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

First meeting with Trump

Machado then met with more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies.

After the US captured Maduro, in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, various opposition figures, members of Venezuela’s diaspora and politicians throughout the US and Latin America have expressed hope that Venezuela will start the process of democratisation.