Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her decades-long struggle against authoritarianism, fearless defense of democracy and her bold moral leadership in a country racked by crisis.

Known as “Venezuela’s ‘Iron Lady,’” Machado has been in hiding for more than 14 months after refusing to bow out after Nicolás Maduro declared victory in a US- and EU-criticized election.

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Maria Corina Machado has been a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, spending the last 14 months in hiding.Getty Images

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Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, announces the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.Nobel Prize
The US and most Venezuelans, according to a recent survey, do not recognize Maduro’s leadership as legitimate after he stole the past two elections.

Machado, in the face of disqualifications, threats, and forced silence, has persisted — pushing for free elections, mobilizing citizens, exposing human rights abuses and serving as the moral conscience of her country.

Though underground, she has continued to work for free elections, rule of law and accountability in Caracas as the government has restricted political rights, illegitimately disqualified opposition candidates and brutally cracked down on dissent.

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Nicolás Maduro has ruled Venezuela under an iron fist since the death of Hugo Chavez.AFP via Getty Images

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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado appears on screen during a rally in Madrid, Spain on Feb. 8, 2025.Getty Images

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Maria Corina Machado waves to supporters during a rally in Caracas, Venezuela on Aug. 17, 2024.Anadolu via Getty Images
While rumors were abound that President Trump could win the prize after ending multiple conflicts this year — including the groundbreaking Gaza cease-fire deal approved Thursday night — the 2025 prize nomination deadline passed on Jan. 31.

Any nominations Trump has received following his accomplishments this year will be considered for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

“We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what — for them — leads to peace,” Nobel Peace Prize Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said Friday.

“This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates. That room is filled with both courage and integrity. We base only our decision on the work and will of Alfred Nobel.”