Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado will meet President Donald Trump on Thursday, the White House has confirmed.
The visit comes just weeks after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seized in Caracas by U.S. forces. However, Trump declined to endorse Machado, whose movement claimed victory in the widely contested elections of 2024, and instead backed Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice-president.
Machado recently stated her desire to personally thank Trump for the U.S. actions against Maduro, remarking she would like to give him the Nobel Prize, which Trump deemed a great honour. Notably, the Nobel Committee later clarified that the award is not transferable.
Earlier, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Machado's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize, an award he has long coveted. When asked if her receiving the prize may influence his view of her role in Venezuela, Trump mentioned, I will have to speak to her. I think it's very nice that she wants to come in. And that's what I understand the reason is.
After Maduro's ouster, Trump remarked that Machado lacked support and respect within Venezuela, stating, She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect. The U.S. has supported Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's interim president, describing her team as very cooperative with the United States, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Despite U.S. backing for Rodríguez, Machado insists her coalition should govern the country, detailing her disdain for Rodríguez, whom she labels one of the main architects... of repression for innocent people in Venezuela.
Describing U.S. military action in Venezuela as a crucial step towards restoring democracy and prosperity, Machado's stance contrasts with Rodríguez's assertions that Venezuela is self-governing, stating, The Venezuelan government rules our country, and no one else does.
