Trump to Meet with Venezuela’s María Corina Machado

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Thursday, January 12, 2026. This meeting follows the recent ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

Background on the Meeting

The White House has confirmed the meeting, which comes in the wake of significant political upheaval in Venezuela. Despite the change in leadership, Trump has not officially endorsed Machado, who recently claimed victory in the 2024 elections that have been widely criticized for their legitimacy.

Stance on Leadership and Support

Trump’s administration has instead expressed support for Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president, who is currently recognized as Venezuela’s interim leader. Rodríguez has been described by Trump as an “ally,” in contrast to Machado, who has faced skepticism regarding her influence within Venezuela.

In the aftermath of Maduro’s removal, Trump remarked that Machado “doesn’t have the support within, or the respect within, the country.” He stated, “She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.” This stance has not deterred Machado from pursuing recognition of her movement’s legitimacy.

Machado’s Position and Aspirations

Machado hopes to use her meeting with Trump to express gratitude for U.S. military intervention against Maduro and has indicated she would like to present the Nobel Prize to him, a gesture Trump has described as “a great honour.” However, the Nobel Committee has clarified that the prize is not transferable.

Earlier last week, Machado asserted that her coalition should “absolutely” take charge of Venezuela, emphasizing that Rodríguez lacks trust among both Venezuelans and the international community. She claimed that Rodríguez played a direct role in repressing innocent people during her tenure as vice-president.

White House Response

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s backing of Rodríguez, highlighting her cooperation with U.S. officials. Leavitt remarked that Rodríguez and her team have been “very cooperative” in their dealings with the United States. In response to criticism, Rodríguez stated firmly that the Venezuelan government maintains control over its internal affairs, rejecting any notions of external governance.

What’s Next?

As the meeting approaches, the implications of this encounter may span both domestic and international relations within Venezuela. Machado’s push for international recognition and Trump’s fluctuating support raises questions regarding the future governance of Venezuela and the potential for ongoing U.S. influence.

The political dynamic in Venezuela remains fluid as Machado continues to advocate for her coalition amidst a backdrop of complex U.S.-Venezuela relations. With Machado aiming to solidify her leadership influence, all eyes will be on the outcomes of her discussions with President Trump.

Original source: Open the source