Machado made the remarks at a news conference in Madrid, where she said Trump had “risked the lives of his country’s citizens for Venezuela’s freedom,” referring to a U.S. military operation earlier this year that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The opposition leader had presented the medal to Trump during a January meeting at the White House, shortly after the operation in Caracas. The gesture drew international attention, particularly as Trump has long expressed interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified at the time that while a medal can change hands, the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred, revoked, or shared, and remains formally awarded to Machado.

Machado said the U.S. intervention was something “Venezuelans will never forget,” adding that her decision to give Trump the medal was deliberate. “Consequently, no, I have no regrets,” she said.

She also confirmed ongoing coordination with Washington regarding her planned return to Venezuela, describing the relationship as based on “mutual respect and understanding.” Machado added that she sees the United States as central to advancing a democratic transition in the country.

Her comments come as Venezuela’s opposition calls for new presidential elections following Maduro’s removal from power. Machado, who was barred from running in the 2024 election, has not yet confirmed whether she would contest any future vote.

Renderings released by the administration depict a large white arch topped with gilded sculptures, including a winged Lady Liberty flanked by two eagles, along with gold inscriptions reading “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All.”

The proposed structure would be located on Columbia Island in the Potomac River, positioned at the end of Arlington Memorial Bridge and visible from Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

At 250 feet, the proposed monument would surpass Mexico City’s Monument to the Revolution by approximately 30 feet, making it the tallest triumphal arch globally, according to figures cited in the proposal. It would also exceed the height of the nearby Lincoln Memorial, which stands at 99 feet.

Trump described the project in a social media post as “the greatest and most beautiful triumphal arch” and said it would serve as a lasting addition to the capital.

The initiative forms part of a broader set of architectural and renovation efforts undertaken during his second term, including plans for a new White House ballroom and changes to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The design has been submitted to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the federal body responsible for advising on matters of design and aesthetics in the capital. The administration previously replaced members of the commission in October, appointing new figures as it advanced multiple construction and redesign proposals across Washington.

The arch proposal coincides with preparations for the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026, commemorating the 1776 Declaration of Independence from Britain.

The same commission recently approved the design of a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump’s likeness as part of the anniversary initiatives.

The measure requires approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before taking effect, including updates to flight navigation systems and airport signage. Lawmakers have also proposed changing the airport’s three-letter code from PBI to DJT, reflecting Trump’s initials.

The move follows Florida’s approval last year of a plan to donate property in downtown Miami for a presidential library dedicated to Trump. Since relocating from New York in 2019, Trump has resided primarily at his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach.In recent months, Trump’s name has been attached to a range of initiatives and institutions, including a planned class of U.S.

Navy warships, a visa program targeting wealthy foreign nationals, and a government-backed prescription drug website.Expansion across federal and cultural spacesIn December, the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts added Trump’s name following a restructuring that installed his allies.

The same month, the United States Institute of Peace building in Washington was also renamed after the administration assumed control of the organization.The US Treasury has said American paper currency will begin bearing Trump’s signature later this year, while a federal arts panel recently approved a commemorative gold coin featuring his likeness as part of events marking the country’s 250th anniversary.

The naming push has extended to infrastructure discussions. The White House confirmed in February that Trump had raised the possibility of linking federal funding for a Hudson River tunnel project to support from Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, for renaming major transit hubs such as Washington Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station.

No timeline has been provided for when the airport renaming will be completed, pending federal review procedures.