Trump Hosts Venezuelan Opposition Leader at White House Meeting
US President Donald Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the high-profile meeting. This discussion occurs as uncertainty continues over Washington's official stance regarding Venezuela's political future.
White House Comments on the Discussion
During a press briefing, Leavitt expressed the President's anticipation for the meeting. She described Machado as a remarkable and brave voice for many Venezuelan people. Leavitt stated the President expected a good and positive discussion with Miss Machado.
Reporters questioned whether Trump still agrees with his past assessment. He previously asserted that Machado lacked the necessary support to lead Venezuela. Leavitt clarified that the president's position on this matter remains unchanged.
"I think the president's assessment that you just pointed out was based on realities on the ground," Leavitt explained. She characterized it as a realistic evaluation. This assessment came from what the president was reading and hearing from his advisors and national security team at that moment in time.
US Commitment to Venezuelan Elections
Leavitt added an important point about future elections. She said the president is committed to hopefully seeing elections in Venezuela one day. However, she could not provide any specific timeline for when such elections might occur.
Context of Recent Events in Venezuela
This White House meeting follows significant recent developments. Less than two weeks ago, US forces captured former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. Authorities brought them to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
Machado's political party is widely considered to have won Venezuela's disputed 2024 elections. The Maduro government rejected these election results before his capture by US forces.
Trump's Previous Doubts and Current Signals
While hosting Machado at the White House, Trump has previously questioned her credibility to run Venezuela. He has raised doubts about his commitment to backing democratic rule in the country. These past statements create a complex backdrop for Thursday's meeting.
At the same time, Trump and his senior advisers have signaled a willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez served as Maduro's former vice president. She continues to oversee day-to-day government operations along with other members of the deposed leader's inner circle.
The meeting between Trump and Machado represents a significant diplomatic moment. It occurs amid shifting dynamics in US-Venezuela relations and ongoing political turmoil in the South American nation.
