Trump Signals Possible Role for Machado, Hints at Shift in US Stance on Venezuela

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted at a potential shift in Washington’s approach to Venezuela, saying he is considering involving opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in some capacity, though he stopped short of outlining any specific role.

Speaking to reporters at the White House while marking the completion of his first year in office of his second term, Trump said discussions with Machado were ongoing. “We’re talking to her and maybe we can get her involved some way,” he said. “Maybe we can do that. I’d love to be able to do that.”

The remarks come just days after Machado — the recipient of the 2025 nobel peace prize — presented her award to Trump as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his actions related to Venezuela following the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year.

Trump referenced that gesture repeatedly, describing Machado as an “incredibly kind woman” and framing the interaction as one of respect and diplomatic goodwill. “After that, maybe we can get her involved,” he added, signalling openness that contrasts sharply with his earlier scepticism about her leadership.

The comments mark a notable change in tone from early January, when Trump publicly questioned Machado’s political credentials even as his administration encouraged cooperation from Venezuela’s interim authorities.

Beyond individual personalities, Trump also offered unusually warm remarks about US-Venezuela relations more broadly. “I felt so strongly against Venezuela — now I’m loving Venezuela,” he said, crediting what he described as strong cooperation from Caracas.

Trump highlighted growing engagement between the two countries, pointing to anticipated international investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, particularly by American companies. He cited this renewed collaboration as one of the foreign policy achievements of his second term so far.

Despite optimism expressed by the White House, international observers continue to raise concerns about political repression and the pace of democratic transition in the oil-rich nation. Washington has nonetheless maintained engagement with the interim government led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez since Maduro’s arrest.

While specific commitments from the US remain unclear, Machado’s opposition coalition claims widespread domestic support and continues to push for a clear roadmap toward democratic governance in Venezuela.

Trump Says He Has No Interest in Speaking With Maduro

Trump also made clear that he has no intention of engaging with Nicolas Maduro, who is currently being held in a US prison following his capture by American forces earlier this month.

Responding to a reporter’s question on whether he would speak to Maduro regarding allegations of Venezuelan interference in the 2020 US presidential election, Trump dismissed the idea.

“I doubt I would do that,” Trump said. “I think my lawyers would be very unhappy,” he added, underscoring both legal sensitivities and the administration’s continued distance from the former Venezuelan leader.

Taken together, Trump’s comments suggest a recalibration rather than a complete reversal of US policy — one that leaves the door open for opposition figures like Machado while maintaining firm red lines against Maduro and his allies.