Trump to Meet Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington Next Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington next week, signaling continued U.S. engagement in Venezuela’s political crisis. The meeting, which will be their first, comes in the wake of the recent U.S. operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a move that has heightened tensions and reshaped the geopolitical landscape in Latin America.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Trump confirmed Machado’s upcoming visit, stating, “Well, I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her.” Despite this, Trump has expressed skepticism about Machado’s ability to lead Venezuela, remarking that she “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country” to assume leadership. This stance contrasts with the opposition leader’s recent international recognition, notably her acceptance of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, an award Trump has publicly criticized.
While Trump initially suggested that Machado’s Nobel Prize acceptance influenced his reluctance to back her leadership, he later clarified in an interview with NBC News that the award “had nothing to do with my decision” regarding her political prospects. The president emphasized the complexity of Venezuela’s path forward, acknowledging that the country, now under interim acting President Delcy Rodriguez, requires time to stabilize before credible elections can be held. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, calling the idea of immediate elections “absurd” and underscoring the need for a deliberate process.
Venezuela’s vast oil reserves have become a focal point of the Trump administration’s strategy. Following Maduro’s capture, the U.S. has begun facilitating oil shipments from Venezuela to American ports, with initial deliveries estimated between 30 million and 50 million barrels. Trump highlighted the potential economic impact during a scheduled meeting on Friday at the White House with oil industry executives, who are expected to play a critical role in revitalizing Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. “They’re going to rebuild the whole oil infrastructure. They’re going to spend at least $100 billion, and it’s an unbelievable oil that they have, and an unbelievable quality of oil and amount of oil,” Trump said.
The administration’s approach aligns with broader U.S. policy objectives aimed at restoring democratic governance in Venezuela while leveraging the country’s natural resources to benefit both nations. For more on U.S. foreign policy and energy strategies, visit the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Energy. Meanwhile, the White House continues to coordinate efforts across agencies to support Venezuela’s transition.
Maria Corina Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement, has long been a vocal critic of Maduro’s regime. Her visit to Washington is expected to include discussions on the country’s political future and the role of the opposition in shaping it. Observers note that the meeting could influence U.S. policy decisions and the international community’s stance toward Venezuela.
As the situation evolves, the U.S. government maintains that a stable and democratic Venezuela is essential for regional security and economic stability. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Machado will be closely watched by policymakers and analysts alike, as it may signal shifts in diplomatic engagement and support for Venezuelan opposition forces.
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