In a remarkable development in U.S.-Venezuela relations, former President Donald Trump has revealed his anticipated meeting with Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado during her Washington visit next week. The disclosure came during Trump’s Thursday evening interview on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, where he expressed enthusiasm about the encounter.
This prospective meeting occurs against the backdrop of significant political upheaval in Venezuela, following the dramatic capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his spouse by U.S. forces just over a week ago. The couple currently faces prosecution in New York on multiple charges including narcotics trafficking and weapons violations.
Trump’s comments regarding Venezuela’s governance capacity have drawn international attention, with the former president asserting last week that Machado lacks sufficient domestic support and respect to effectively lead the nation. He further suggested that extended American oversight might be necessary for Venezuela’s political stabilization.
During the recent interview, Trump elaborated on his assessment of Venezuela’s current state under interim leadership, stating that the country requires comprehensive reconstruction and is presently incapable of conducting legitimate electoral processes. “We have to rebuild the country. They couldn’t have an election,” Trump remarked. “They wouldn’t even know how to have an election right now.”
The Nobel Peace Prize has emerged as a symbolic element in this political dialogue, with Machado having previously offered to share her award with Trump, who has repeatedly expressed belief in his own deservingness of the honor. Trump characterized Norway’s failure to grant him the prize as a “major embarrassment” for the Scandinavian nation, which oversees the prestigious award through its dedicated committee.
Trump indicated that Machado might formally present her Nobel medal to him during their upcoming meeting, a gesture he described as “a great honor” while acknowledging his understanding of her intentions.