In the wake of the U.S. attack on Venezuela and detention of President Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado's suitability for leading a democratic transition. The move has fueled speculation of a deal with Maduro's Chavista allies, amid fears of rising oil prices. Opposition figure Edmundo González renewed calls for releasing political prisoners.
The U.S. military action on January 4, 2026, detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as initially reported, threatening a surge in global oil prices due to Venezuela's reserves.
During a press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump portrayed himself as the 'world's savior' and addressed the opposition's role. He dismissed María Corina Machado—who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership in the disputed July 2024 elections, widely alleged to have been stolen by Maduro—stating, "She doesn't have the support or respect within her country. She's a nice woman, but she doesn't inspire respect." Trump noted he had not contacted her, hinting at U.S. preferences for negotiating with moderate Chavistas, such as a 'Chavismo without Maduro,' potentially sidelining figures like Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino López to secure oil interests over full democratic restoration.
Edmundo González, in ongoing live coverage, demanded the release of political prisoners to 'normalize Venezuela.' Russia voiced 'solidarity' with Venezuela but ruled out defensive action.
The intervention evokes the Monroe Doctrine, prioritizing U.S. economic dominance in the region, potentially leaving Venezuelans facing continued instability.