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Friday, Jan 16, 2026
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Trump Hosts Venezuelan Opposition Leader at White House Amid Strategic Press Briefing
President Donald Trump meets María Corina Machado to discuss Venezuela’s future as the White House outlines evolving U.S. policy and diplomatic posture
President Donald Trump hosted Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House on January fifteen, marking the first in-person encounter between the two figures since Machado’s escape from Venezuela and receipt of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
The meeting, held during a White House press briefing covering U.S. policy toward the evolving situation in Venezuela and other strategic considerations, underscored Washington’s engagement with diverse Venezuelan voices amid efforts to stabilise the country after the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this month.
Trump characterised Machado as “a remarkable and brave voice,” while his administration continues to balance backing democratic transition with broader strategic interests in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated at the briefing that the meeting did not represent a shift in the administration’s assessment of Venezuela’s political leadership dynamics.
Though Trump has raised doubts about Machado’s domestic support and leadership viability, the conversation aimed to explore Venezuela’s political landscape and prospects for future democratic processes.
Leavitt described Machado positively while reaffirming that Washington remains focused on a stable transition and eventual elections, even as the interim authorities in Caracas manage ongoing governance.
The session also touched on broader national and international developments.
Officials addressed ongoing U.S. foreign policy priorities, including diplomatic engagement with Venezuelan authorities and economic leverage, while underlining support for democratic institutions and human rights.
Machado, speaking after her White House visit, expressed optimism, telling supporters that “we can count on President Trump” as Venezuela navigates a complex political transition.
Her remarks came amid continuing discussions over U.S. sanctions, oil policy, and international recognition of a successor Venezuelan government.
At the briefing, Leavitt also answered questions on domestic issues and national security but emphasised the administration’s commitment to coherent engagement in Latin America.
The meeting with Machado reflects Washington’s willingness to engage with multiple actors shaping Venezuela’s future, even as Trump maintains strategic relationships with interim authorities and articulates a broader vision for democratic and economic reconstruction there.
The meeting, held during a White House press briefing covering U.S. policy toward the evolving situation in Venezuela and other strategic considerations, underscored Washington’s engagement with diverse Venezuelan voices amid efforts to stabilise the country after the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this month.
Trump characterised Machado as “a remarkable and brave voice,” while his administration continues to balance backing democratic transition with broader strategic interests in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated at the briefing that the meeting did not represent a shift in the administration’s assessment of Venezuela’s political leadership dynamics.
Though Trump has raised doubts about Machado’s domestic support and leadership viability, the conversation aimed to explore Venezuela’s political landscape and prospects for future democratic processes.
Leavitt described Machado positively while reaffirming that Washington remains focused on a stable transition and eventual elections, even as the interim authorities in Caracas manage ongoing governance.
The session also touched on broader national and international developments.
Officials addressed ongoing U.S. foreign policy priorities, including diplomatic engagement with Venezuelan authorities and economic leverage, while underlining support for democratic institutions and human rights.
Machado, speaking after her White House visit, expressed optimism, telling supporters that “we can count on President Trump” as Venezuela navigates a complex political transition.
Her remarks came amid continuing discussions over U.S. sanctions, oil policy, and international recognition of a successor Venezuelan government.
At the briefing, Leavitt also answered questions on domestic issues and national security but emphasised the administration’s commitment to coherent engagement in Latin America.
The meeting with Machado reflects Washington’s willingness to engage with multiple actors shaping Venezuela’s future, even as Trump maintains strategic relationships with interim authorities and articulates a broader vision for democratic and economic reconstruction there.
