In a surprising twist in Venezuelan politics, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado appears to be navigating a unique strategy to gain the favor of the United States. Her plan reportedly involves offering her Nobel Peace Prize to former President Donald Trump as a gesture of goodwill and diplomacy. This comes after the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by a U.S.-led operation on January 3rd, following charges of narcoterrorism. According to sources close to the negotiations, Machado is keen on meeting Trump, with the Nobel Prize potentially serving as a pivotal point in their discussions.

Machado, who received the prestigious award in Oslo, Norway last December, managed to escape Venezuela under the guise of a disguise. While Trump has expressed that it would be a “great honor” to be associated with the Nobel Peace Prize, he hasn’t directly requested it from Machado. Nonetheless, Machado publicly dedicated the honor to Trump, acknowledging that he “really deserved it.” During her 16-month concealment from Maduro’s oppressive regime, Machado remained a significant opposition figure, and now, with the prospect of meeting Trump, she aims to discuss her possible role in the future leadership of Venezuela.

Following the operation to detain Maduro, Trump announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s transition with former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stepping in as a temporary leader. During a press briefing at Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed skepticism about Machado’s potential as a leader, citing her lack of “respect” and support within Venezuela. “I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,” he commented, noting that while she is a “very nice woman,” she lacks the necessary backing from the Venezuelan populace.

But sourcing told the Washington Post that the real reason Trump didn’t give her the position was because he didn’t like that she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize – an award he has openly coveted for years. And Trump confirmed on Thursday that Machado is coming to Washington, DC next week for a sit-down. ‘I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying “hello” to her,’ Trump said. ‘I heard that she wants to do that [with her peace prize] — it would be a great honor,’ he told Fox News personality Sean Hannity.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s wife and Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy, whom the president is fond of, is pushing behind-the-scenes to make the meeting happen, Trump associates familiar with the dynamics told journalist Rachael Bade. A very close advisor to Machado confirmed to the Daily Mail that the opposition leader is listening to Duffy’s advice. ‘When it comes to persuading the president, all the lobbying and special interest money in the world isn’t as powerful as having a program on Fox News,’ they said. ‘Rachel’s coverage of Maria Corina [Machado] and the story of Venezuela has been accurate and outstanding.’

The advisor added: ‘All the corrupt post-Maduro regime special interests are in a full blown panic that MCM’s standing is surging inside the White House.’ Trump says that he wants the US to ‘run’ Venezuela for at least the next few years, and insists his government, working with industry partners, will now control the extraction and sale of the country’s oil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller have been tasked with taking the lead on running Venezuela. Rubio has held at least one call with Rodriguez, Trump confirmed over the weekend.