Maria Corina Machado: Open to U.S. Pressure on Maduro

CBS News

Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado seems amenable to the idea of the U.S. utilizing military force in Venezuela to aid in the removal of President Nicolas Maduro.

"Applying more pressure on Maduro is necessary for him to realize his leadership is over," she expressed during a Friday interview on 'Face the Nation' with Margaret Brennan. "This situation is unique and cannot be put in the same context as scenarios in the Middle East."

"A public mandate for regime change already exists," Machado continued. "Over 70% of citizens demand it, and we require support to bring this decision into effect."

When questioned about aligning military tactics with democratic ideals, Machado stated, "Securing democracy and achieving liberty necessitates strength."

"Our goal is freedom to achieve democracy, and with democracy comes peace," she elaborated.

Maduro is increasingly pressured by the Trump administration to step down. President Trump has indicated potential military actions as U.S. forces gather in the area, mainly justified as efforts to curb drug trafficking operations.

Machado clarified that she lacks specifics regarding Trump’s land strike threats.

"We are not participating, nor will we intrude, on another nation’s policies concerning their national security," she remarked.

Recently, the U.S. tightened sanctions, targeting Maduro’s relatives and several vessels implicated in transporting Venezuelan oil, in reaction to an intercepted sanctioned tanker.