Venezuelan opposition leader Machado has expressed strong confidence in an eventual, orderly transition to free elections in Venezuela, while acknowledging the difficult and complex road ahead.
Machado’s Meeting with Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado spoke to reporters following her meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. She aimed to secure a role for the opposition in shaping Venezuela’s future amid ongoing political upheaval after the ousting of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.
Despite Machado’s movement being widely regarded as the legitimate winner of the 2024 election — which Maduro was accused of rigging — Trump has supported Maduro loyalists, led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, to govern Venezuela temporarily. The Trump administration has prioritized access to Venezuela’s oil reserves over restoring democracy, viewing the current leadership as the best option for maintaining order.
Outlook on Venezuela’s Transition
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado emphasized her belief that the “criminal structure” dominating Venezuela will eventually dismantle itself, though she did not specify how this would occur. She stressed that her confidence in an orderly transition to elections is profound but cautioned that the process will take time and be complex.
She clarified that tensions with Delcy Rodriguez are not personal but rooted in political realities, describing the current leadership as “communist” and “repressive,” with Rodriguez holding a precarious position without military support.
US Engagement and CIA Visit
Coinciding with Machado’s visit, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Caracas, marking the highest-level known U.S. visit since Maduro’s removal. Ratcliffe met with Rodriguez to discuss intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and efforts to prevent Venezuela from serving as a safe haven for adversaries, including narco-traffickers.
Machado’s Position and Challenges
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado, who escaped Venezuela in December, remains sidelined politically after being banned from running in the 2024 election by a court aligned with Maduro. While she seeks to play a role in Venezuela’s future governance, the Trump administration has expressed skepticism about her immediate viability as a leader.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump views Machado’s current support as insufficient to lead the country in the short term. Machado acknowledged the possibility of unexpected phases in the transition but affirmed the opposition’s participation, without providing details.
Political Repression and Human Rights Concerns
Following the disputed election, many opposition figures allied with Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, widely believed to have won, were imprisoned. Rights groups estimate around 800 political prisoners remain in Venezuela. Among them is Rafael Tudares, husband of Mariana Gonzalez, who recently reported his deteriorating physical and emotional health after a brief visit.
Government’s Diplomatic and Economic Initiatives
In a recent address, acting President Delcy Rodriguez called for diplomatic engagement with the United States and expressed willingness to travel to Washington on her own terms. She also proposed reforms to Venezuela’s oil sector aimed at attracting foreign investment, aligning with international companies’ efforts to secure freer export rights for Venezuelan oil.
