Venezuela's opposition had long believed that US President Donald Trump was their only hope for regime change in the country. However, Trump's sudden rejection of María Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and one of the opposition leaders they trusted, has soured their initial triumph.
Machado had been handpicked by the opposition as their leader after Maduro's ouster, but Trump bluntly stated that she didn't have the support or respect within Venezuela to lead its 30 million people. This rejection was seen as a significant blow to the opposition, which had pinned their hopes on Machado.
Sources close to the White House revealed that Trump's decision not to back Machado was the result of months of debate and analysis by the intelligence community. They believed that Maduro's inner circle would be better suited to secure American energy interests in Venezuela in the short term, citing Delcy Rodríguez as a more viable option.
Machado had been critical of the US-backed strategy that elevated Juan Guaidó, who was largely unknown at the time, as interim president. She also argued that Maduro could only be forced from power through direct foreign intervention. Her campaign is now burdened by broken promises and a US administration focused on stability and oil flows rather than democratic alignment.
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said Trump's engagement with Rodríguez was tactical, not a permanent rejection of Machado or the opposition movement. However, he warned that trusting Trump's intentions may be misplaced, as the administration signals a willingness to sideline the opposition altogether.
Analysts believe that Trump's public dismissal of Machado reflects a narrow view of where power currently resides in Venezuela. They argue that the US should focus on building a broad coalition with various groups within Venezuela rather than relying on key individuals.
The real question now lies ahead: can the opposition build a new movement and regain control of the country? Lawmakers like Freddy Guevara remain confident, but they need to see concrete actions from the US administration that demonstrate its commitment to Venezuelan democracy.
Machado had been handpicked by the opposition as their leader after Maduro's ouster, but Trump bluntly stated that she didn't have the support or respect within Venezuela to lead its 30 million people. This rejection was seen as a significant blow to the opposition, which had pinned their hopes on Machado.
Sources close to the White House revealed that Trump's decision not to back Machado was the result of months of debate and analysis by the intelligence community. They believed that Maduro's inner circle would be better suited to secure American energy interests in Venezuela in the short term, citing Delcy Rodríguez as a more viable option.
Machado had been critical of the US-backed strategy that elevated Juan Guaidó, who was largely unknown at the time, as interim president. She also argued that Maduro could only be forced from power through direct foreign intervention. Her campaign is now burdened by broken promises and a US administration focused on stability and oil flows rather than democratic alignment.
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said Trump's engagement with Rodríguez was tactical, not a permanent rejection of Machado or the opposition movement. However, he warned that trusting Trump's intentions may be misplaced, as the administration signals a willingness to sideline the opposition altogether.
Analysts believe that Trump's public dismissal of Machado reflects a narrow view of where power currently resides in Venezuela. They argue that the US should focus on building a broad coalition with various groups within Venezuela rather than relying on key individuals.
The real question now lies ahead: can the opposition build a new movement and regain control of the country? Lawmakers like Freddy Guevara remain confident, but they need to see concrete actions from the US administration that demonstrate its commitment to Venezuelan democracy.
. Machado was a solid choice for the opposition, and now because of one person's opinion, it's like all their hard work goes down the drain 
. And what's with the White House thinking Delcy Rodríguez is more viable than Machado? She's not exactly known for her democratic credentials, you know 
. And Trump just dissing them like that, no respect at all 
. I mean, can't they see that Machado was trying to build a coalition with various groups in Venezuela? It's not like she was trying to stage a coup or something 
. The opposition needs to regroup and come up with a new strategy, 'cause Trump's not going to help them out 
The more I read about this, the more I'm convinced we're stuck in a nightmare... Trump's rejection of Machado is just another example of how US policy is all about stability and oil flows over actual regime change. It's like they expect us to be grateful for scraps from the table 
The opposition needs to regroup and stop relying on one person (no matter how influential) to lead their charge. They need a coalition, not just Machado. This whole thing reeks of incompetence and short-term thinking. What's next? Are they gonna send in mercenaries or something? 
I mean, he did pick her as their leader after all, and it's not like she was just chosen out of thin air. The White House says they were looking for a stronger connection to Maduro's inner circle and that makes sense. But at the same time, I think it's a bit worrying that they're prioritizing stability over democracy in Venezuela. 
Can't we try to support both energy interests and democratic ideals? It's not like Machado was asking for much - just some genuine backing from the US. Now she's stuck with a lot of pressure on her shoulders, which is no easy feat. Maybe the opposition can regroup and find new momentum? 
after she was all set 2 b their leader lol. now the opposition is all like "wait what" 
. i mean machado had some valid points btw about us interference in venezuela