On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado visited the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump about her future in Venezuela. Although little is known about what was discussed, Machado described the meeting as “positive,” even gifting the President her Nobel Peace Prize Medal as a gesture of gratitude.
“María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done,” the president wrote later on Truth Social. “Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you María!”
After meeting President Trump, Machado visited a bipartisan group of senators, many of whom reaffirmed their support for her.
“I think she’s clearly going to become the president,” said Sen. Rick Scott. “I think that clearly, Trump and Marco Rubio have a transition plan. We know we’d all like it to happen in a day, but we are making progress.”
Changes in U.S. policy towards Venezuela have not been announced, and no public commitments have been made. But for the Venezuelan community, this meeting gives them a sense of clarity.
“I think that meeting sent a message,” said Daniel Romero, deputy chief of staff for former Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez. “[It] erased any doubt in reference to the relation between President Trump, the government of the United States, and the democratic movement in Venezuela.”
Meanwhile, in Caracas, Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodriguez dismissed Machado’s visit.
“If one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so with my head held high, not on my knees,” said Rodriguez.
