CA, US & World
Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado to Visit White House, Meet with President Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday, where she is expected to meet with President Donald Trump, according to a senior White House official. The visit comes at a pivotal moment in US-Venezuela relations following recent US military action in Caracas and the removal of longtime Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, is a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement. Her meeting with Trump follows a period of uncertainty about her political future, after the president publicly questioned her ability to lead Venezuela in the aftermath of the January 3 operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has since been sworn in as acting president.
Despite Trump’s earlier skepticism, Machado brings international recognition and influence to the table. She has suggested offering her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, an idea the president has welcomed, though the Norwegian Nobel Institute has made clear the prize cannot be transferred.
Trump has said he plans to speak directly with Machado to discuss her potential role moving forward. He has also indicated openness to meeting with Rodríguez at a later date, saying the US is currently “working along really well with the leadership” in Venezuela.
Last week, Trump announced he was canceling a second round of planned attacks on Venezuela, citing cooperation from the country and the release of political prisoners. He later referred to Venezuela as an ally “right now” and suggested the US role in the country could last for years.
The administration’s broader vision includes encouraging US oil companies to invest in Venezuela’s energy sector as part of rebuilding efforts. However, those plans have faced skepticism from industry leaders, with some executives raising concerns about long-term stability and investment risks.
Machado’s White House visit is expected to be closely watched as the US continues to shape its strategy in Venezuela and considers who could play a leading role in the country’s political future.
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By: CNN Newsource
January 12, 2026
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