On January 4, 2026, Donald Trump publicly dismissed the potential for collaboration with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, claiming she lacks sufficient support to lead the country. This statement follows the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, an event that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Venezuela.
Trump’s Comments on Machado
While addressing reporters, Trump stated that Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.” Despite her popularity among Venezuelan voters and her vocal backing of U.S. anti-drug efforts, Trump confirmed that he has not had any contact with her.
Machado, the leader of the Vente Venezuela Party, has been recognized as a formidable opponent to Maduro. Following news of Maduro’s capture, she referred to the moment as “the hour of freedom” for her people. Her supporters, including Venezuelan businessman Pedro Burelli, defended her credibility. Burelli asserted on social media that Machado is “the most respected politician in the country” and emphasized that Venezuela would not succumb to what he described as “absurd whims.”
The Capture of Maduro
The dramatic turn of events began with U.S. troops capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas on January 3. The couple was subsequently transported to New York, facing drug trafficking charges. An FBI aircraft landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in upstate New York, where Maduro and Flores were seen disembarking alongside several officials.
After the capture, Trump announced that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez would assume leadership of Venezuela, a claim Rodriguez has since rejected, insisting that Maduro remains the legitimate president. In a press briefing, Trump indicated that the U.S. would govern Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could occur. He mentioned that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves would be crucial in funding its recovery.
Trump’s comments come amid accusations that Maduro has been facilitating drug trafficking operations into the U.S., with Trump alleging that Maduro leads the Cartel de los Soles, a notorious drug trafficking organization. He stated that he had not informed Congress about the plans to capture Maduro, citing concerns that such information would leak and allow Maduro to evade arrest.
The unfolding situation in Venezuela remains tense, with implications for both U.S. foreign policy and the future of Venezuelan governance. The U.S. military’s unprecedented intervention marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for power in Venezuela, raising questions about the role of international actors in domestic conflicts.
