President Donald Trump said he plans to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado next week during her visit to the United States.
Trump made the comments during a taped interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that aired Thursday night. He said he understood that Machado would be arriving “sometime next week” and that he looked forward to meeting her.
“I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her,” Trump said.
Background on Machado
Hannity noted during the interview that Machado recently appeared on his show and reminded viewers that she had won a Nobel Peace Prize, which she publicly dedicated to Trump.
Trump has previously expressed interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his foreign policy efforts. He told Hannity that it was “a major embarrassment” that he has not received one.
Trump said he was aware that Machado had offered to give him her Nobel Peace Prize and described her as “a very nice person.” He called the offer “a great honor.”
No Official Confirmation Yet
NBC News reported that a representative for Machado did not immediately confirm the meeting. The White House has not released an official statement or details about the visit.
Context: Venezuela’s Political Shift
The potential meeting comes after last week’s US‑led operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Following Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president.
Several Republican lawmakers have called for Machado to lead Venezuela’s transitional government. However, Trump expressed doubts about her political support inside the country.
“I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,” Trump said last weekend. “She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country.”
Trump has so far backed interim leadership under Rodríguez instead.
Administration’s Position
According to reporting from The New York Times, senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, advised against strongly backing a single opposition figure. Officials warned that doing so could further destabilize Venezuela and increase the risk of US military involvement.
Rubio described the administration’s Venezuela strategy as focused on stabilization and leverage rather than immediate political transition. He said the US is using sanctions, maritime seizures, and control of Venezuelan oil exports to pressure the country’s leaders while directing proceeds for public benefit.
What the Meeting Could Signal
A meeting between Trump and Machado could signal a shift in tone or serve as a diplomatic gesture toward a key opposition figure. However, Trump has not indicated any change in his broader policy toward Venezuela’s leadership.
As of now, the White House has not confirmed whether the meeting will take place.
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