María Corina Machado has assured from Washington that her meeting with former United States President Donald Trump was marked by a commitment to the freedom of Venezuela, and not by personal motivations. The opposition leader, who made a controversial visit after symbolically handing over her Nobel Peace medal to the American president, considers that her priority is the future of her country and not her ego.
Machado affirms that, despite widespread impressions about the meeting, Trump “is committed to the freedom of Venezuela.” The opposition has insisted that the dismantling of Chavismo “is irreversible” and that it will be possible with the support of the United States, although she has not detailed specific agreements or calendars on a possible political transition in the South American country.
In a press conference after the meeting, Machado defended that in his conversation with Trump he could perceive “a human being who is hurt by what Venezuelans are experiencing,” and stressed that “he is concerned and is genuinely committed to their well-being.” For her, the White House represents essential support to achieve freedom for Venezuela and serve as an example to other global leaders.
The opponent has also referred to other high-level meetings, including a meeting between the president of the CIA and Delcy Rodríguez, the Chavista leader supported by Trump as interim president after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Machado has described these contacts as necessary on the path to the transition, while reiterating that he has no intention of advancing deadlines without clarity or consensus.
“This is not between Delcy Rodríguez and me. It is between a cartel and a movement of millions of Venezuelans who have committed themselves to being free,” said the opposition leader, who points out that “Delcy is following orders, he is not in an agreement. He is terrified of President Trump.”
