The city of Doral, Florida, will rename a street to honor Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Doral sits west of downtown Miami. It hosts one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States.
Avenue to Become "Maria Corina Machado Way"
Officials plan to rename a section of an avenue near the US Southern Command office. The new name will be "Maria Corina Machado Way." A city statement explains the decision. It honors Machado's lifelong commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Contrast with White House Reception
This warm tribute in South Florida stands in sharp contrast. Machado recently received a colder welcome from the White House. The shift followed the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. US forces snatched Maduro from Caracas on drug trafficking charges.
Machado met with US President Donald Trump in Washington last Thursday. The visit proceeded with little fanfare. There was no joint press conference. Officials released only a few photos. During the meeting, Machado gifted Trump her recent Nobel Peace Prize medal. This gesture drew mixed reactions from her supporters.
Trump's Comments and Community Response
President Trump described Machado as a wonderful woman. He acknowledged she has been through a lot. However, he did not indicate she should lead a democratic transition in Venezuela. After the White House meeting, Machado received a warm welcome. Members of the Venezuelan community in Washington greeted her enthusiastically.
Just one day earlier, Trump praised a phone call. He described it as very good. The call was with Delcy Rodriguez. Rodriguez serves as vice president under Maduro. She currently leads the Venezuelan government.
Doral's Venezuelan Community Celebrates
Venezuelans in Doral quickly celebrated Maduro's downfall. They took to the streets on January 3rd. The celebration followed a US military operation. Forces snatched Maduro and his wife from their Caracas home. They now face trial on charges in New York.
The street renaming symbolizes ongoing support. Doral's large Venezuelan community continues to back opposition figures. It highlights the complex dynamics of US-Venezuela relations.
