Donald Trump has announced plans to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado next week, marking a notable shift from his earlier dismissive stance toward her.
This development comes shortly after a high-profile U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and heightened tensions across the region. The future political landscape of Venezuela remains uncertain, and Trump’s engagement with Machado signals a potential recalibration of U.S. policy toward the country.
Previously, Trump had expressed skepticism about working with Machado, suggesting she lacked sufficient domestic support and credibility. In a recent interview, he described her upcoming visit, saying, “I look forward to saying hello to her.”
Trump also acknowledged Machado’s recent recognition with a Nobel Peace Prize, stating that he would consider it “a great honour” if she chose to award it to him. Machado has not yet met the U.S. president since receiving the prize last October.
Meanwhile, Trump has not made a similar overture to Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president. However, he noted that the United States is maintaining constructive relations with Rodríguez’s government, adding that they are providing the U.S. with “everything that we feel is necessary.”
The White House has not provided additional details regarding the logistics or agenda of the upcoming meeting with Machado.
In parallel with these diplomatic developments, Rodríguez’s administration has begun releasing a number of political prisoners, including foreign nationals. Former opposition candidate Enrique Marquez was among those freed, a move hailed by Machado as a step toward justice. In an audio message, she stated, “Injustice will not last forever and … truth, although it be wounded, ends up finding its way.”
Despite these gestures, Trump cautioned that Venezuela is not yet ready to hold elections or stabilize politically. He indicated that more time is needed for the country to reach a point where democratic processes could be meaningfully implemented.
Escalation Against Drug Cartels
Trump also addressed the ongoing U.S. campaign against drug trafficking networks in Latin America. He highlighted previous strikes on alleged cartel-operated boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, which have reportedly resulted in over 100 casualties since September.
The president suggested that the next phase of U.S. operations could involve direct action on land, potentially targeting cartels in Mexico. “We are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels. The cartels are running Mexico,” he said in an interview.
Trump has previously proposed sending U.S. forces into Mexico to tackle organized crime, urging Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to approve military intervention, though she has reportedly rejected the idea. In response, Sheinbaum asserted that the Americas “do not belong” to any single power, emphasizing regional sovereignty.
This announcement represents a significant escalation in U.S. tactics against narcotics trafficking and indicates that Washington is willing to expand its use of force beyond maritime operations. Analysts say this could complicate U.S.-Mexico relations and provoke a diplomatic challenge in the hemisphere.
Regional and Political Implications
Trump’s engagement with Machado could have far-reaching consequences for Venezuelan politics. Machado, a vocal critic of Maduro, has gained international attention for her opposition work and now represents a key figure in U.S. strategy toward Venezuela.
Observers note that the U.S. approach—combining high-profile operations against Maduro with outreach to opposition leaders—may be intended to signal both leverage and support for democratic alternatives.
The upcoming meeting will likely focus on Venezuela’s political transition, security concerns, and the broader fight against drug trafficking, though details remain closely guarded by both U.S. and Venezuelan officials.
Analysts also point out that Trump’s reference to potential land strikes in Mexico reflects a broader willingness to assert U.S. influence in the region, continuing a pattern of assertive foreign policy that has defined his recent Latin American actions.
As Venezuela navigates the aftermath of Maduro’s capture and the release of political prisoners, the coming weeks will be closely watched by the international community. Trump’s meeting with Machado could serve as a litmus test for the direction of U.S.-Venezuelan relations and may influence regional security dynamics for months to come.
