In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado convened with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, despite his previously expressed reservations about her political viability. The meeting occurred against the backdrop of ongoing U.S. engagement with Venezuela’s acting leadership following the dramatic capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the encounter as a ‘frank and positive discussion’ regarding Venezuela’s political landscape, acknowledging Machado as ‘a remarkable and brave voice’ while maintaining that Trump’s assessment of her limited domestic support remained unchanged. The administration simultaneously continues to recognize acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, who maintains operational control of government functions and delivered her inaugural state of the union address Thursday.
This diplomatic balancing act reflects the complexity of U.S.-Venezuela relations following the audacious military operation that apprehended Maduro. The Trump administration has implemented sweeping measures targeting Venezuela’s oil industry, including recent seizures of sanctioned tankers in the Caribbean, as part of broader efforts to dismantle the previous regime’s economic infrastructure.
Notably, Rodríguez’s government has demonstrated cooperation by releasing political prisoners detained under Maduro, including five American citizens this week. Her administration has adopted a less confrontational stance toward Trump’s ‘America First’ policies than initially anticipated, suggesting potential for continued dialogue.
Machado’s political journey spans nearly two decades of opposition leadership, beginning with her co-founding of the Súmate organization that challenged Hugo Chávez’s government. Her 2004 Oval Office meeting with President George W. Bush became emblematic of her opposition stance, drawing fierce criticism from Chávez. Despite allegedly winning the 2024 election rejected by Maduro, Machado has faced consistent skepticism from Trump regarding her capacity to govern effectively.