Trump set to meet Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado from Venezuela

Trump to Meet Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado at White House

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Maria Colina Machado, a leader of the Venezuelan opposition and the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, at the White House this Thursday.

On January 3, Trump indicated that the U.S. would seek to detain dictator Nicolas Maduro and manage Venezuela until a secure transition can take place. However, he expressed skepticism about Machado’s capability to lead the country, questioning her domestic support. “I think it’s going to be very difficult for her to lead,” he remarked to reporters. “She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.” Her lack of local backing has raised doubts in his view.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated that the administration’s decision not to back Machado was influenced by a desire to avoid repeating past foreign policy mistakes, particularly in the Middle East and Latin America. Still, he expressed “tremendous admiration” for her efforts.

Rubio mentioned, “Many people view foreign policy through the lens of Iraq, Libya, or Afghanistan, but this is not the Middle East. Our mission here is distinct.” A confidential CIA evaluation was reportedly presented to Trump, highlighting potential candidates to govern Venezuela following Maduro’s exit, with Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s vice president, emerging as the preferred choice.

Reports suggest Trump was frustrated about Machado’s receipt of the Nobel Prize, an honor he hoped to win himself, particularly since she dedicated it to him. Nonetheless, the White House has claimed that Trump’s backing of Rodriguez was rooted in “pragmatic decisions.”

Consequently, Trump labeled Rodriguez as “a wonderful person” after their conversation. “We are making great progress in supporting Venezuela’s stability and recovery,” he wrote in a social media post.

He expressed optimism about the partnership between the U.S. and Venezuela, claiming it would lead to a prosperous future for the country. “Venezuela will soon be great again and more prosperous than ever!” he stated.

During their discussions, Trump raised topics concerning oil, minerals, and national security with Rodriguez. On January 7, he announced that Venezuela would sell 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. for immediate use.

After the meeting, Rodriguez reflected that their discussions, characterized as “courteous,” not only examined bilateral issues but also focused on cooperation for mutual benefit. Machado, meanwhile, praised Trump’s impact in undermining Maduro, saying the U.S. has accomplished more than expected.