US President Donald Trump and Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro shown in file photos amid unfolding political developments.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado will visit Washington next week, indicating plans for a possible first-ever meeting between the two.
President Trump made the disclosure on Thursday, during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, saying he had been informed of Machado’s impending arrival.
“I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her,” Trump said.
Venezuela’s Prolonged Political Turmoil
Venezuela has been gripped by a prolonged political and economic crisis marked by contested elections, international sanctions, and institutional breakdown.
Tensions escalated recently after US forces reportedly detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, transporting them to New York to face trial on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges. The development effectively ended Maduro’s grip on power and plunged the South American nation into further uncertainty.
In the aftermath, Delcy Rodríguez was named interim president, as calls grow for a political transition and international support for stabilisation efforts.
Trump Questions Machado’s Domestic Support
Despite Machado’s growing international profile and her recent Nobel Peace Prize recognition, President Trump has publicly questioned her political standing within Venezuela.
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Last week, Trump stated that Machado does not command sufficient respect or support among Venezuelans to lead the country, while also suggesting that the United States could play a long-term role in overseeing Venezuela’s recovery and governance.
Elections Not Feasible Now, Says Trump
President Trump ruled out the possibility of immediate elections, citing the collapse of democratic institutions and administrative systems.
“We have to rebuild the country. They couldn’t have an election,” he said.
“They wouldn’t even know how to have an election right now.”
Nobel Prize Remarks Stir Debate
Machado has reportedly offered to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Trump, who has repeatedly said he deserved the award.
On Thursday, Trump described his failure to receive the prize as a “major embarrassment” for Norway, noting that the Nobel Peace Prize is decided by a Norwegian committee.
He further hinted that Machado could present him with her Nobel Prize when they meet in Washington.
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