President Donald Trump said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado lacks the “respect” needed to govern the country following the ousting of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking Saturday, Trump said he has not spoken with Machado and does not believe she has sufficient support inside Venezuela to assume leadership.
U.S. Operation Leads to Maduro’s Capture
The comments came after U.S.-led military strikes in Venezuela early Saturday resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The pair were taken to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges, marking a dramatic escalation in U.S. involvement in the country.
Machado Celebrates ‘Hour of Freedom’
Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, praised the operation in a statement, calling it Venezuela’s “hour of freedom.” She said Maduro would now face international justice after refusing a negotiated solution and urged Venezuelans to remain vigilant as the country moves toward a democratic transition.
Trump Says U.S. Will Oversee Transition
Trump announced that the United States will temporarily oversee Venezuela during a transition period. He said the goal is a “safe, proper and judicious” transfer of power that ensures peace, liberty and justice for the Venezuelan people.
Analyst Pushes Back on Trump’s Claim
Political analyst Liz Alarcón disputed Trump’s assertion that Machado lacks legitimacy, saying the opposition already represents the democratic will of Venezuelans. Alarcón said leadership could come from Machado or from Edmundo González Urrutia, who ran against Maduro in last July’s contested election.
Disputed Election and Calls to the Military
Independent exit polls indicated González Urrutia won by a wide margin, a result the U.S. has said is backed by overwhelming evidence. Maduro claimed victory and refused to step down. Machado has called on the military to recognize González Urrutia as Venezuela’s rightful president.
Celebration and Uncertainty on the Ground
Scenes of celebration broke out in Caracas following Maduro’s removal, though uncertainty remains over how the military and remaining government officials will respond. Analysts warned that Venezuelans want change without replacing one authoritarian system with another.
Supporters Condemn U.S. Action
Maduro’s allies sharply criticized the U.S. operation. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro’s immediate release, calling him Venezuela’s only legitimate president and accusing Washington of seeking regime change and control of the country’s resources. She urged civilians and the armed forces to mobilize in defense of the nation.
Conflicting Signals From Caracas
Rodríguez’s public condemnation contrasted with Trump’s claim that she told Secretary of State Marco Rubio she was open to working with Washington. As Venezuela enters an uncertain period, international attention remains focused on whether a peaceful democratic transition is possible.
For more on the aftermath of Maduro’s capture, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.