Machado's Nobel "Sin" Cost Her Venezuela's Presidency, Says White House Insider

• Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is seen as the biggest loser in the post-Maduro transition, largely due to US President Donald Trump's disinterest.
• Trump's alleged disinterest stemmed from Machado accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025, which he reportedly coveted, viewing it as a "personal slight" and her "ultimate sin."
• A White House insider suggested Machado could have been Venezuela's president if she had declined the Nobel, attributing her current standing to this decision.
• Trump publicly dismissed Machado's leadership potential after Maduro's capture, claiming she lacked "support or respect," despite her later dedicating the prize to him.
• The US administration now shows little interest in elevating Machado, focusing instead on Venezuela's oil reserves as leverage, with Trump discussing taking control of the industry.

Why It Matters: María Corina Machado's Nobel acceptance alienated Trump, hindering her path to Venezuela's leadership.