EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has extended her gratitude to former President Donald Trump, attributing the endurance of Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement in part to his support. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, she dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to him, emphasizing the critical assistance he provided during a time when Venezuelans felt neglected by the global community.

“I am deeply thankful to President Trump for every action, every sign, and every instant he has stood by the Venezuelan people. I have observed his support closely, understanding its significance for those striving to restore democracy and freedom in Venezuela,” Machado expressed.

Machado continued, “The vision of a liberated and democratic Venezuela is not just a dream—it’s within reach, stronger and more vibrant than ever. This Nobel Peace Prize symbolizes our struggle for liberty and is dedicated to the Venezuelan citizens and President Trump, who exemplified decisive leadership when it was most crucial.”

Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient, waves to onlookers at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB Scanpix via AP)

An insider informed Fox News Digital that Machado aims to visit the United States to personally commend the former president for what she perceives as his unwavering support for the Venezuelans.

Machado’s statements were made as she made a public appearance in Oslo, Norway, marking her return after 11 months of living in secrecy. Her concealment followed a brief arrest during a protest against the government in Caracas, after which the Maduro regime increased its pressure on her.

Her return to the public eye coincided with the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, where her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the award on her behalf. The Associated Press reported that Machado waved to cheering supporters from a hotel balcony — her first public appearance in nearly a year.

The daughter of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ana Corina Sosa, accepts the award on behalf of her mother, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall, Norway, on Dec. 10. (Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB Scanpix, Pool via AP)

Machado was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election despite winning the opposition primary by a wide margin, a move that drew strong criticism from Western governments.

Roxanna Vigil, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told Fox News Digital that Machado remains “the most popular political figure in Venezuela,” adding that she secured “over 90% of the vote” in the opposition primary before being blocked by Maduro. “She became a real threat… and so they disqualified her from running,” Vigil said. Machado ultimately endorsed Edmundo González, who went on to win the election.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses supporters at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, the day before his inauguration for a third term. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Machado ultimately endorsed González, who was widely regarded by independent tallies of the result as having won the 2024 election, but who did not assume the presidency after Venezuela’s official National Electoral Council, controlled by Maduro allies, declared Nicolás Maduro the winner and inaugurated him for another term.

Machado has signaled she intends to return to Venezuela when conditions allow and continues to call for a peaceful transition away from Maduro’s rule.