Trump accepts Nobel Peace Prize medal from Venezuelan Opposition leader Machado

  Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump on Thursday during a White House meeting, in a bid to influence his efforts to shape her country's political future. 

A White House official confirmed ‍that Trump intends to ‌keep the medal. 

In a social media post on Thursday evening, Trump wrote: "Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for ⁠the work I have done. Such a wonderful ‍gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!" 

Machado, who described the meeting as "excellent," said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. 

The White House later posted a photo of Trump and Machado with the president holding up a large, gold-coloured frame displaying the medal. Accompanying text read, "To President Donald J. ‍Trump In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength," and labelled the gesture as a "Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People." 

Machado's attempt to ‍sway Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuela's leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro. 

Trump openly campaigned for the prize before Machado was awarded it last month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed. 

Though Machado gave Trump the gold medal that honorees receive with the prize, the honour remains hers. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked.

Asked on Wednesday if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: "No, I didn't say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize." 

The Republican president has long expressed interest in winning the prize and has at times linked it to ‌diplomatic achievements.

Reuters