Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado has asserted that she is prepared to lead Venezuela, responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who questioned her credibility and support within the country.
In an interview with CBS News, Machado said the Venezuelan people have already expressed their will following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by US forces during a military operation in Caracas last week.
“The people of Venezuela have already chosen,” Machado said, adding that the opposition alliance stands ready to serve the nation. When asked directly whether she should be Venezuela’s next leader, she replied, “Absolutely yes.”
Machado clarified that the opposition coalition recognises Edmundo González as president-elect. González entered the 2024 presidential race after Machado was barred by the Maduro government from contesting the election, despite winning the opposition primary. Several countries, including the United States, later recognised González as the legitimate winner amid allegations of vote manipulation by the former regime.
President Trump, while acknowledging Machado personally, expressed doubts about her political standing.
“She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect or support within the country,” Trump said earlier this week, adding that it would be “very tough” for her to lead Venezuela.
Responding to these remarks, Machado said she remains grateful to Trump for authorising the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest on drug-related charges.
“A few weeks ago, this would have seemed impossible. President Trump’s leadership and courage have brought Nicolás Maduro to justice,” she said, calling the development a crucial step toward restoring democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.
Following Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership. Machado criticised Rodríguez, stating that she was deeply embedded in the former regime and lacked public trust.
Since the operation, President Trump has said that the United States is effectively overseeing Venezuela’s transition and has indicated that elections could be held in the future. While Trump questioned Machado’s domestic support, several US lawmakers have expressed confidence in her leadership. Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said Machado would “probably” win a free election, citing her long-standing opposition to Maduro’s rule.
It remains uncertain whether Machado or González will be able to return to Venezuela in the near term to directly participate in the country’s political transition.
