The American president Donald Trump doubts the capability of opposition leader María Corina Machado to govern in Venezuela.
"He does not have enough support within the country, he does not have respect within the country," said the Republican during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago this Saturday, where he explained the details of the operation that extracted Nicolás Maduro from Caracas.
She also confirmed that they have not contacted her since the attack.
Machado, for her part, issued a statement addressed to the people of Venezuela, in which she asserted that “the time for freedom has come” and urged citizens to remain organized and active in the democratic transition process.
In the text, dated January 3, 2026, Machado stated that Nicolás Maduro is facing international justice "for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and against citizens of many other nations," and emphasized that, in light of his refusal to accept a negotiated solution, the United States government has fulfilled its promise to uphold the law.
The opposition leader declared that “the time has come for People's Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to prevail in our country,” and called for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of order, and the construction of “an exceptional country.”
Machado stated that “we have fought for years, we have given everything, and it has been worth it,” and affirmed that this is the moment for the citizens “who risked everything for democracy on July 28.” In this regard, he acknowledged Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela, who —according to the statement— must assume his constitutional mandate and be recognized as Commander in Chief of the National Armed Forces.
However, at the press conference this Saturday, the U.S. president has disavowed the Venezuelan opposition and hinted at a possible negotiation with Chavismo.
Trump stated that his administration will control Venezuela and its oil profits following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and that Delcy Rodríguez will lead a transition government under conditions imposed by Washington.
From his residence in Mar-a-Lago, the magnate stated that the United States will take control of the country “until there is a fair democratic transition,” arguing that Venezuela's infrastructure is “rotten” and that oil will be managed to benefit the population, but also to compensate the U.S. for past expropriations.
"We are going to lead this country correctly and we will ensure that the people of Venezuela are taken care of," said Trump, who did not rule out new military actions if factions of Chavismo attempt to regain control of the country.
One of the most controversial elements of his statements was the direct mention of the Venezuelan vice president. According to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in talks with Delcy Rodríguez, whom he described as willing to "do what we believe needs to be done to make Venezuela great again," even using the phrase Make Venezuela Great Again.
Trump stated that Rodríguez would assume the leadership of a transitional government, while the United States would take charge of ensuring security and managing strategic resources, especially oil. "We will extract a lot of money to take care of the country," he claimed, without specifying deadlines or mechanisms.
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