María Corina Machado Eyes Venezuela's Democratic Transition Amid US Influence

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado remains optimistic about her country's shift to democracy despite US endorsement of Maduro's ally Delcy Rodríguez. Machado has courted Trump's support but faced challenges from her own government's human rights abuses and the US focus on Venezuelan oil interests.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado voiced strong confidence on Friday regarding Venezuela's move towards democracy after the US military intervention ousted Nicolás Maduro. Machado avoided detailing her plans for returning home or a timeline for elections, highlighting ongoing complexities in Venezuela's political landscape.

Despite President Donald Trump's support for Maduro ally Delcy Rodríguez over Machado's opposition movement, she handed her Nobel medal to Trump, seeking solidarity. Machado expressed optimism for a democratic transition, transforming Venezuela into a US ally while criticizing the Maduro government's human rights record.

Machado remained evasive about urging specific actions from Trump, who has focused on revitalizing Venezuela's oil industry rather than democratic elections. Her continued efforts to engage Trump underscore her challenge against Rodríguez's perceived stability role by US officials.