The White House has sharply criticized the Nobel Committee’s decision to award this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, arguing that the committee “put politics over peace” by overlooking U.S. President Donald Trump.
White House spokesman Steven Cheung posted on X that “President Trump will continue to make peace deals, end wars, and save lives,” adding that he has “the heart of a humanitarian” and “there will never be another leader like him, capable of moving mountains through sheer will.”
Cheung accused the Nobel Committee of prioritizing politics, writing: “The Nobel Committee has proven it puts politics above peace.”
President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives.
He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will.
The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace. https://t.co/dwCEWjE0GE
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) October 10, 2025
The Nobel Committee’s choice
The Norwegian Nobel Committee said the prize recognizes Machado’s “brave stance for freedom” and her resistance to Venezuela’s authoritarian leadership. In its announcement, it praised her for her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights and for her fight for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in her country.
Over the past year, Machado has been forced into hiding, yet — despite serious threats to her life — she chose to remain in Venezuela, inspiring millions, the committee said.
“Freedom must never be taken for granted”
The Nobel Committee’s statement emphasized the importance of recognizing those who stand up to authoritarianism, noting: “When autocrats seize power, it is vital to honor the brave defenders of freedom who rise and resist. Democracy depends on those who refuse to remain silent and remind us that freedom must never be taken for granted but always defended — with words, courage, and determination.”
The White House reaction underscores rising tensions between Washington and international institutions, as the Trump administration continues to frame its foreign policy as a mission for peace amid criticism that global bodies are politically biased.
