‘When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who stand up and resist,’ the committee said
The leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Maria Corina Machadowas awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday morning, a setback for the President donald trumpwho had been campaigning hard to receive the honor.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that Ax received the award for “his tireless work in promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for his fight to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
During the ceremony in Oslo, the chairman of the Norwegian committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnespraised Ax as a “courageous and committed champion of peace” who “keeps the flame of democracy burning amid growing darkness.”
“This is precisely what is at the heart of democracy, our shared will to defend the principles of popular government, even if we disagree,” he said Frydnes. “At a time when democracy is under threat, it is more important than ever to defend this common ground.”
BREAKING NEWS
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2025 #NobelPeacePrize to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to… pic.twitter.com/Zgth8KNJk9— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 10, 2025
Maria Corina Machado He has been tirelessly active in Venezuelan politics for decades, known for his defense of free elections. For the last year, she has lived in hiding due to threats against her life. THE Nobel Committee highlighted this context, stating: “When authoritarians take power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who stand up and resist.”
Ax reacted to the honor in a video shared on the X (old Twitter) belonging to Edmundo Gonzálezwho replaced her as presidential candidate after she was barred from running. In the video, Ax appears on a hands-free call with Gonzálezexpressing that he was in “shock” with the announcement. “We are in shock of joy,” he replied. Gonzálezwho currently lives in exile. Ax she added, visibly surprised: “What is this? I can’t believe it.”
Our dear Maria Corina Machado, awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize! Very deserved recognition in the long struggle of a woman and a whole community for our freedom and democracy. Venezuela’s first Nobel Prize! Enhorabuena @mariacorinayaVenezuela will be… pic.twitter.com/jpmrUEujtL
— Edmundo González (@EdmundoGU) October 10, 2025
During the morning announcement of Nobel Peace Prizea reporter asked Jørgen Watne Frydnes, president of Norwegian Nobel Committeeon the President’s demand donald trump to be the recipient of the honor. Frydnes responded that the committee receives thousands of campaign letters and nominations every year, and added that they make the final decision in a room “filled with courage and integrity.” He stated that the choice is based “on work and the desire to Alfred Nobel“.
Trump has been vocal about his belief that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Even amid controversial actions such as the use of military forces against his own citizens and the brutalization of migrant communities, he has tried to proclaim himself a peacemaker, especially after the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. At the White House on Thursday, Trump told reporters that he had “made seven deals and now it would be the eighth.” This statement was a variation on the president’s recent claims that, during his current nine months in office, he had “ended” seven wars.
“I resolved the wars, one lasting 31 years, another 34 years, another 35 years, one lasting ten years. I made seven deals. This would be number eight,” he said on Thursday, adding that former President Barack Obama he had received the award “for doing nothing. I didn’t even know what I had received for… My election was a much more important election.” At the General Assembly of UN Last month, the president declared that “everyone says I should win the Nobel Peace Prize“.
Many of the supporters of Trump campaigned for him to be the next winner of the award. “Give the Nobel Peace Prize – he [Trump] deserves it!” wrote the Israeli Prime Minister’s office Benjamin Netanyahu node X. The official White House account on X posted a photo of Trump with the caption “THE PRESIDENT OF PEACE”.
The administration Trump has notably attacked Venezuelan citizens in recent months. The president has used false information to justify military attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean near the country. After destroying one of these boats, Trump shared an impossible claim on TruthSocialwriting: “A boat loaded with enough drugs to kill 25 TO 50 THOUSAND PEOPLE was prevented, early this morning off the coast of Venezuela, from entering American Territory.”
Trump has not yet responded to the ad Norwegian Nobel Committee. About five hours before the ceremony, the president was sharing links on TruthSocial promoting yourself to victory.
THE Nobel Peace Prize It can be given to an individual or an organization. Last year, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors movement Nihon Hidankyo won the prize. Past winners include Nelson MandelaChinese rights activist Liu Xiaobothe EU and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.
This article was originally published by Rolling Stone USA, by Emily Zemler, on October 10, 2025, and can be seen here.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
