EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has expressed her gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his pivotal role in bolstering Venezuela’s pro-democracy efforts. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Machado dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, acknowledging his significant support during a time when many Venezuelans felt deserted by the international community.

“I am profoundly thankful to President Trump for every action, every gesture, and every moment he has stood by the Venezuelan people,” Machado stated. “I have observed his involvement closely, and I understand how crucial it has been for those striving to restore democracy and freedom in our nation.”

Machado emphasized that the vision of a free and democratic Venezuela is not only achievable but nearer than ever before. “The spirit of a liberated Venezuela is more vibrant than ever,” she remarked, while dedicating her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. “This award symbolizes the relentless fight for freedom and is dedicated to the Venezuelan people and to President Trump for exemplifying strong leadership during critical times.”

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

An informed source shared with Fox News Digital that Machado hopes to visit the United States to personally thank Trump and formally recognize his support for the Venezuelan populace.

Machado’s remarks come as she re-emerged publicly in Oslo, Norway, after spending 11 months in hiding. After a brief detention during an anti-government protest in Caracas, she went underground as pressure from the Maduro government intensified.

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.