Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Says She Should Be in Charge of Venezuela
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has declared that she should take charge of leading Venezuela following the dramatic removal of longtime President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces. Speaking in her first major interview since the events unfolded, Machado said her movement is “ready and willing to serve the Venezuelan people”, asserting that her coalition has the mandate to guide the nation toward democracy and stability.
Machado made these remarks in an interview with CBS Evening News, emphasizing that the Venezuelan people have already chosen her political platform to govern the country in the post‑Maduro era.
Machado Thanks Trump, But Faces US Skepticism
In her interview, Machado expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in the ouster of Maduro. She described the U.S. military operation as a “major step towards restoring prosperity, rule of law, and democracy in Venezuela.”
Despite her praise, Trump himself has publicly questioned Machado’s ability to lead the country. At a recent press event, Trump said it would be “very tough” for Machado to be the leader of Venezuela, suggesting she lacks sufficient popular support and respect within the country.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Political Context
Machado — a longtime critic of Maduro’s government — was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her efforts advocating democratic reforms and human rights in Venezuela. She was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 election, but her opposition coalition claimed a decisive victory that year, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud.
Although Machado has not been in direct communication with Trump since late 2025, she has repeatedly acknowledged the U.S. role in deposing Maduro and has vowed to use this moment to push for a genuine democratic transition.
Conflict Over Interim Leadership — Delcy Rodríguez
Following Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodríguez — Maduro’s former vice president — was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president. Rodríguez has rejected claims that foreign powers are governing Venezuela and insists the Venezuelan government is in charge.
Machado, however, has strongly criticized Rodríguez, accusing her of being one of the “main architects” of Maduro’s repressive regime and warning that she is not trusted by many Venezuelans.
Machado’s Plans: Return and Democratic Transition
Machado announced plans to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible” to lead a democratic transition and push for the release of political prisoners. She has pledged that, in free and fair elections, the opposition would win by a substantial margin.
Her statements signal a broader struggle over the future of Venezuela’s governance and whether the transition away from authoritarian rule will be led by domestic opposition forces or shaped by external influence.
Broader Regional and International Reactions
The international response to Maduro’s capture and the U.S. role has been mixed. Governments and global organizations have condemned the operation as a breach of international law, while others have viewed it as a possible catalyst for democratic change in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, debates continue over the legitimacy of leadership claims within Venezuela, Machado’s capacity to govern, and how to bring stability to a deeply divided nation following years of economic hardship and political turmoil.
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