Trump Opens Doors to Maria Corina Machado at White House
Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday for the first time that he will receive maría Corina Machado at the White House next week, representing the clearest political gesture too date of direct dialog with the Venezuelan opposition leader following the collapse of Nicolás Maduro’s power. When questioned by ABC, the president placed the meeting between Tuesday and Wednesday and assured that Machado will travel to Washington to “pay her respects,” thus dispelling doubts that had arisen in recent days about whether the leader would ultimately be received at the highest level. She will be.
The confirmation comes at a especially delicate moment for U.S. strategy regarding Venezuela,marked by the detention of Maduro,the installation of an interim government led by delcy Rodríguez,and internal tensions in Washington regarding how to articulate a potential transition.
Until now, Trump had avoided publicly committing to Machado as a figure of succession, despite her party leading the opposition victory in the 2024 presidential elections and maintaining the greatest popular support both inside and outside the country. She won the primaries and was disqualified by the dictatorship on false accusations.
“I understand she is coming next week and will pay us her respects,” Trump stated, without detailing the political content of the meeting or the specific role Machado could play in the new Venezuelan scenario. The brief but calculated phrase was interpreted in Washington as a purposeful signal: Trump recognizes Machado as a direct interlocutor, but reserves room for maneuver.
Machado has been intensifying her outreach in recent weeks. Trump had previously cast doubt on Machado’s actual ability to govern Venezuela, questioning her control over the Armed Forces and her level of internal support. Simultaneously, the opposition leader has intensified her efforts.