US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is expected to travel to Washington next week and that he looks forward to meeting her. The announcement comes as Venezuela’s future leadership remains unclear following recent US military action in the country and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Trump made the remarks during an interview on Fox News’ Hannity, stating that Machado will arrive “sometime next week” and that he anticipates saying hello when she visits the capital.
Trump did not provide further details on the timing or agenda of the meeting, and the White House did not immediately offer additional information. If the meeting takes place, it would be the first time the US president has met with Machado. The Venezuelan opposition leader recently received the Nobel Peace Prize, and she previously noted she had not spoken with Trump since winning the award in October. Machado has gained prominence as a critic of Maduro’s government and as an advocate for democratic transition in her country.
Diplomacy unfolds amid political transition and debate
The governance situation in Venezuela remains in flux after United States forces carried out operations that led to Maduro’s arrest. In recent comments, Trump suggested that Venezuela requires a period of stability before any elections can be held, while he also indicated that the US would play a role in the country’s transition. Trump has expressed reservations about Machado’s level of support within Venezuela, noting that she may not yet command widespread backing among the population.
Meanwhile, US lawmakers have shown growing concern over the extent of Trump’s military engagement in Venezuela, advancing a resolution in the Senate aimed at restricting further unilateral action without congressional approval.
The debate over US involvement reflects broader questions about the approach to Venezuela’s political future and how best to support democratic aspirations while maintaining regional stability. Regardless of the outcome, the planned meeting between Trump and Machado signals an important moment in diplomatic engagement between the US and Venezuelan opposition figures.
