Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado visited the White House on Thursday (January 15, 2026) to discuss her country's future with U.S. President Donald Trump, even though he has dismissed her credibility to take over after an audacious U.S. military raid captured then-President Nicolás Maduro.
Visiting Mr. Trump presented something of a physical risk for Ms. Machado, whose whereabouts have been largely unknown since she left her country last year after being briefly detained in Caracas. Nevertheless, after a closed-door discussion with Mr. Trump, she greeted dozens of cheering supporters waiting for her near the gates — stopping to hug many.
“We can count on President Trump,” she told them, prompting some to briefly chant “Thank you, Trump,” but she didn't elaborate.
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The jubilant scene stood in contrast to Mr. Trump having repeatedly raised doubts about Ms. Machado and his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in Venezuela. He has signalled his willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who was Maduro's Number 2.
