U.S. President Donald Trump met privately at the White House with Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado on January 15, marking their first face-to-face discussion since political developments in Venezuela attracted heightened American involvement. The session, which lasted a little more than an hour, focused on the continuing crisis in the South American country and its future direction. 

Machado, who leads a prominent dissident faction in Venezuela and received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts toward democratic change, traveled to Washington after her rival, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was removed from power in a U.S. military operation. In a symbolic gesture during the meeting, she gave Trump her Nobel medal, although the Norwegian Nobel Institute has stated the award itself cannot be transferred. 

After the White House meeting, Machado also met with members of the U.S. Congress. Her visit highlighted her efforts to gain international support for her role in Venezuela’s political transition. 

Despite the high-profile visit, Trump has indicated he does not support Machado as Venezuela’s next leader, citing concerns about the level of her backing inside the country. Instead, the administration has expressed willingness to work with Delcy Rodríguez, the former vice-president installed as Venezuela’s interim president following Maduro’s removal. Rodríguez and her government have signaled openness to diplomatic engagement with the United States, including economic cooperation. 

Venezuela remains in a period of significant uncertainty after years of economic hardship and political strife. The capture of its former president and leadership transition has drawn international attention, with debates ongoing about the legitimacy of political processes and the role foreign governments may play in the nation’s recovery. 

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera