() Republican leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., were among those who supported the nomination of eventual Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado.

The White House accused the Nobel Committee of playing politics by awarding the prize to Machado instead of President Donald Trump, who has lobbied for nomination since taking office. Trump has focused on his contribution to ending conflicts, including the recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas.

However, the deadline for nominations is Jan. 31, and the committee debates the selection over the following months. This year’s winner was announced Friday.

Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader and an activist for democracy, was praised in a letter signed by Rubio and Scott last year, among others.

“She has risked everything to rally the previously flagging spirits of the Venezuelan people,” the letter read. “They have suffered 25 years of oppression, torture, murder, and economic deprivation at the hands of the Chavez-Maduro regime who has systematically undermined democratic institutions and perpetuated a regional crisis of monumental proportions.”

The letter praised Machado’s “unwavering moral compass” and commitment to peaceful protest in the face of violence.

“Despite enduring severe personal threats, including attempts on her life, Machado has remained steadfast in her commitment to restoring democratic governance in Venezuela,” the letter continued. “Her leadership is instrumental in mobilizing both domestic and international support for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing electoral fraud crisis. Her tireless efforts to advocate for free and fair elections and to bring attention to the human rights abuses occurring under the current regime embody the very principles that the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to honor.”

After Friday’s announcement, Machado praised Trump for his support. The White House has not responded.