Trump to Meet Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Next Week

Web Editor

January 8, 2026

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Background on María Corina Machado

María Corina Machado is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her political career spans over two decades, during which she has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government and its policies. Machado has served as a deputy in the National Assembly and was once a presidential candidate. Her unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights has earned her both admiration and controversy in Venezuela and internationally.

Trump’s Anticipation of Meeting Machado

During an interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his eagerness to meet with María Corina Machado, who is scheduled to visit Washington next week. Trump stated, “I understand she will be coming at some point next week. I am impatient to greet her.”

Machado’s Praise for Trump

In a previous interview with Fox News, Machado expressed her admiration for Trump’s efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. She mentioned that she would like to award him the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication. In response, Trump said, “I have heard that he wants to do so. It would be a great honor.”

Trump’s Stance on Venezuela’s Oil Sector

Trump has been vocal about his intentions to control Venezuela’s vast petroleum sector following the failure of negotiations for Nicolás Maduro, the now-deposed Venezuelan leader, to relinquish power. Trump confidently stated, “We will rebuild the oil infrastructure and make a lot of money.”

U.S. Industry Leaders to Discuss Venezuela’s Future

On Friday, Trump will host a meeting at the White House with fourteen leading U.S. oil industry executives to discuss the future of Venezuela’s petroleum sector. Trump announced, “These major companies are coming here tomorrow. They will invest $10 billion.”

Trump’s Vision for Venezuela’s Future

Once the situation in Venezuela stabilizes, Trump believes that elections will once again take place. He emphasized, “I am certain of it, but it will take time.”

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is María Corina Machado? María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. She has been a prominent critic of the Venezuelan government and its policies for over two decades.
  • Why is Trump meeting with Machado? Trump is eager to meet with Machado to discuss the ongoing situation in Venezuela and explore potential avenues for supporting democracy and stability in the country.
  • What are Trump’s plans for Venezuela’s oil sector? Trump aims to control and rebuild Venezuela’s petroleum infrastructure, with the intention of generating significant financial returns for U.S. companies.
  • Who will attend the meeting with Trump about Venezuela’s future? Fourteen leading U.S. oil industry executives will meet with Trump at the White House to discuss the future of Venezuela’s petroleum sector.
  • What is Trump’s outlook on elections in Venezuela? Trump believes that elections will eventually take place in Venezuela once the situation stabilizes, although he acknowledges that it will take time.