Trump Meets Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado
President Donald Trump had a meeting with Maria Colina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. The discussion revolved around Venezuela’s future, especially in light of former dictator Nicolas Maduro’s recent arrest.
Machado, who heads the center-right Vente Venezuela party, had left the country during Maduro’s regime last December. Trump expressed interest in her involvement in addressing Venezuela’s issues, stating that he wanted to speak with her further. “It’s very nice that she wants to participate,” he mentioned during a prior meeting with oil officials.
After their private discussion, Machado was approached by both supporters and the media outside. In Spanish, she conveyed, “Please know that we are counting on President Trump for the freedom of Venezuela.”
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt noted that while Trump recognizes Machado’s ambitions, he still believes she lacks the necessary support to lead in a post-Maduro Venezuela. In a previous speech, Trump remarked, “I think it will be very difficult for her to lead,” referring to her lack of traction within the country.
Levitt confirmed that Trump’s views on this situation remain unchanged. She described the president’s stance as a realistic evaluation based on his discussions with advisors and his national security team. Although Trump expressed hope for future elections in Venezuela, he did not provide a timeline for when that might happen.
While Trump hasn’t formally endorsed Machado, Florida Senator Rick Scott is optimistic about her potential in leading the country one day. He emphasized her dedication and popularity among Venezuelans both at home and abroad, calling her a “fighter.” Following Maduro’s capture, Machado remarked on the immediate challenges facing the opposition, acknowledging that many have lost their footing within Venezuela.
On the same day, reports indicated that Venezuela’s socialist government was sending a special envoy to Washington. This envoy is expected to be the country’s ambassador to the UK, Félix Plasencia, who will replace acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro appointee. Trump had previously spoken favorably about Rodríguez, referring to her as a “wonderful person.”
