CARACAS, venezuela – Some viewed the news as signaling the beginning of the end of the economic, political and social calamity that, for the last decade, has engulfed Venezuela, prompting millions to flee their South American homeland.

“When I saw the news, I cried, hugged my children and prayed,” said Mari Carmen Bermúdez, 34, a supermarket cashier in Caracas. “I feel like our nightmare will end soon.”

Others said the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado – a veteran antigovernment activist who lives here in hiding – was just the latest chapter in the U.S.-led plot to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro.

“In my opinion, lady Machado has never called for peace in the country, only for war,” said Yober David Avalos, 28, an appliance repairman and motorcycle taxi driver.”I don’t think she’s a persecuted politician. From her hideout she has called for an invasion of Venezuela.”

The mixed reactions to Machado’s award, both in Venezuela and across the continent, reflect the intricate politics and shifting alliances in the region. The conservative president of Argentina and the leftist leader of Colombia both congratulated Machado. Cuba denounced as “shameful” the decision to honor “a person who instigates military intervention in her Homeland.” Mexico’s leftist President Claudia Sheinbaum, the region’s top woman leader, declined comment.

Some observers wonder whether the award could encourage more aggressive U.S. behavior against Maduro,whom the White House has branded a “narco-terrorist.”

There was no immediate official reaction in Venezuela to Machado’s award. The news generated international headlines, but was ignored by official news channels.

On social media, Machado declared that the opposition was “on the threshold of victory,” and pointedly dispatched verbal bouquets to Trump.

“I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!” Machado wrote.

It was a nod to a president who had campaigned openly for the award for himself, and was clearly indignant that he lost out.The White House complained that the Nobel Committee had chosen “politics over peace.”

In an apparent bid at conciliation, Machado reached out by telephone to Trump.

“The person who actually got the Nobel Prize called today, called me, and said, ‘I’m accepting this in honor of you, as you really deserved it,'” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office. “It’s a very nice thing to do. I didn’t say, ‘Then give it to me,’ though I think she might have.She was very nice.”

While extolled by supporters as Venezuela’s “iron lady” – the iron lady, a sobriquet bestowed decades ago on British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – Machado is a controversial figure, even within the Venezue

Published: 2025/10/12 12:21:44

Venezuela’s Miss Universe Win and Concerns Among Venezuelan-Americans

Venezuela’s Diana Silva was crowned Miss Universe 2024 on september 28, 2024, sparking widespread celebration in her home country. However, the victory also triggered anxieties among Venezuelan-Americans in the United States, stemming from concerns about potential negative repercussions from supporters of former President Donald Trump.

The Context: Trump’s Past Comments and Perceived Snub

The apprehension arises from former President Trump’s past critical remarks regarding Venezuela and his strained relationship with the country’s government.During his presidency,Trump imposed significant sanctions on Venezuela, aiming to pressure the Nicolás maduro regime. Some Trump supporters perceived the Miss Universe organization’s decision to award the crown to a Venezuelan contestant as a deliberate “snub” towards Trump and his policies.

fears of Backlash and Criminalization

Venezuelan-Americans expressed worry that trump supporters, feeling slighted, might unfairly target and hold the award against the Venezuelan community in the U.S. This concern is rooted in existing experiences of discrimination and negative stereotyping.

“We were already being criminalized and singled out,” said Maria Puerta Riera, a Venezuelan-American political science professor in Orlando and Colorado. “This is not going to help our image.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the community about being scapegoated or facing increased scrutiny due to political tensions.

Existing Challenges Faced by Venezuelan-Americans

Venezuelan-Americans have faced unique challenges in the U.S., including navigating complex immigration policies and dealing with negative perceptions fueled by political rhetoric. The ongoing political and economic crisis in Venezuela has led to a significant increase in Venezuelan migrants and asylum seekers in the U.S. in recent years.Pew Research Center data shows a significant rise in the Venezuelan population in the United States, increasing from approximately 228,000 in 2010 to over 860,000 in 2022.

Miss Universe’s Response and Broader Implications

The Miss Universe Organization has not directly addressed the concerns raised by Venezuelan-americans. Though,the organization has consistently promoted its mission of fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity. The incident highlights the intersection of beauty pageants, politics, and immigration, and the potential for cultural events to become entangled in broader political narratives.

Key Takeaways

• Venezuela’s Diana Silva won Miss Universe 2024, sparking celebration in venezuela.
• Venezuelan-Americans expressed concerns about potential backlash from Trump supporters who may view the win as a political snub.
• These fears stem from existing experiences of discrimination and negative stereotyping within the community.
• The incident underscores the challenges faced by Venezuelan immigrants and asylum seekers in the U.S.

The Miss Universe win, while a moment of national pride for Venezuela, serves as a reminder of the political sensitivities and challenges faced by its diaspora in the United States. Moving forward, it will be crucial to address the underlying concerns of the Venezuelan-American community and promote understanding and inclusivity.

Special correspondent Mogollón reported from Caracas, Times staff writers McDonnell and Linthicum from Mexico City and Times staff writer Ceballos from Washington. times staff writer Andrea Castillo in Washington contributed to this report.