ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was announced as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 on Friday, despite US President Donald Trump’s fervid campaign for the prestigious award.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that Machado was awarded the prize “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 democracy.”

Machado’s achievement resulted from her efforts to advance democracy in Venezuela, including leading opposition movements, promoting free elections, and advocating for political rights in the face of “ever-expanding authoritarianism,” read the statement.

“This is certainly the biggest recognition to our people that certainly deserve it,” Machado told Kristian Berg Harpviken, the director of the Nobel Institute and secretary of the Nobel Committee, upon being informed of winning the prestigious award.

“I am just, you know, one person. I certainly do not deserve this,” said the politician, expressing confidence that the opposition “will prevail” in securing a democratic transition for Venezuela.

Steven Cheung, White House Director of Communications, accused the Nobel committee of placing “politics over peace,” by not awarding the prize to Trump.

“He [Trump] 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,” wrote Cheung on X.

Since returning to the office in January, Trump has heavily campaigned for the Nobel peace prize, citing his role in bringing an end to several conflicts around the world. He had repeatedly insisted he deserves the award, warning it would be a “big insult” to the US if he did not receive it.

Trump has highlighted his focus on ending ongoing conflicts and promoting peace in the Middle East, including with Iran. He has claimed credit for ending multiple wars, including a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which he said was resolved through a ceasefire agreement.

Venezuela is currently mired in a deep political and economic crisis under President Nicolas Maduro, with widespread poverty and repression of dissent, while opposition leaders like Machado continue to push for democratic reforms.