In a significant development in the ongoing Venezuela crisis, US President Donald Trump has announced plans to host Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado in Washington next week. This comes in the aftermath of a US military operation that led to the capture of the country's former president, Nicolás Maduro.
A Strategic Meeting After Military Action
The upcoming visit, scheduled for the week of January 9, 2026, will mark the first face-to-face interaction between Trump and Machado. This move represents a notable shift in the US administration's stance. Previously, President Trump had publicly downplayed Machado's domestic support and political clout within Venezuela. The announcement was made during a recent interview on Fox News, where Trump expressed his anticipation for the meeting.
In a characteristically offhand remark, the President jokingly suggested he might be willing to accept Machado's Nobel Peace Prize, which she was awarded in 2025. The two leaders have not communicated directly since October of last year, making this planned summit a crucial diplomatic event.
Trump's U-turn on Machado and Election Timeline
This endorsement of Machado signals a clear reversal from Trump's earlier skepticism. The US leader's new position aligns Washington more firmly behind a specific opposition leader as Venezuela navigates a turbulent political transition. However, Trump tempered expectations for an immediate return to democracy, stating unequivocally that Venezuela is not yet ready for national elections.
This statement suggests the US envisions a prolonged period of stabilization and political restructuring before the country can hold free and fair polls. The capture of Nicolás Maduro has created a power vacuum, and the US appears to be backing Machado as a key figure in shaping the nation's future, while simultaneously managing the pace of change.
Regional Repercussions and the Road Ahead
The dramatic capture of Maduro and the subsequent US backing of Machado is likely to have profound consequences for Latin America. It marks one of the most direct US interventions in the region in recent years. The situation remains fluid, with reports of sporadic clashes, such as alleged fights between Venezuelan forces and US Marines during the operation to apprehend Maduro.
As the world watches, the meeting between Trump and Machado next week will be a critical indicator of the future political roadmap for Venezuela. The US President's decision to delay elections indicates a strategy focused on consolidating a transitional authority rather than rushing to the ballot box amidst ongoing instability.
