Machado Expresses Venezuelans' Gratitude to Trump for Removing Maduro

Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado commended former President Trump for his role in deposing Nicolás Maduro. In an exclusive conversation with CBS News, she emphasized the mandate her political group holds to direct Venezuela's future, despite Trump's reservations about her capability to lead.

During an interview with Tony Dokoupil from CBS News, Machado reflected on the recent U.S. military operation that swiftly captured Maduro, concluding his over-decade-long rule. Machado has been a vocal supporter of Trump's strategy to exert pressure on Maduro's regime, even offering to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Following the arrest of Maduro, Machado urged that Edmundo González, whom the United States acknowledges as the rightful victor of Venezuela's 2024 election, should promptly take over governance, replacing the remaining Maduro-aligned officials.

Though appreciative, Trump expressed concerns about Machado's leadership capabilities. He described her as a 'lovely lady' but questioned her domestic support, implying she might find it challenging to manage the country.

Machado responded to Trump's doubts by pointing out lingering concerns about Venezuela's fragile state. She elaborated on how the nation has been caught in the grip of a narcoterrorist system supported by adversaries like Iran and Cuba, generating fears that these elements might disturb a nonviolent transition.

Despite these challenges, Machado remains optimistic about the backing of Venezuelan military and law enforcement in transitioning to democracy. She believes there exists a unified vision among citizens for Venezuela's future.

Asked about her readiness to lead in a post-Maduro era, Machado asserted that Venezuelans have decisively supported her coalition, prepared to act upon the directive given by the populace.

She highlighted the contested 2024 election outcome where, due to government restrictions, she was barred from running. Although Maduro's claim to victory was marred by allegations of widespread fraud, the global community largely refused to accept the results.

Expressing gratitude, Machado underscored Venezuelans' appreciation for Trump's involvement. She characterized Maduro's detainment as pivotal in reinstating lawful governance and democracy.

Acknowledging the complexity of the country's current state, she implicated interim president Delcy Rodriguez in the corruption scandal and noted her pivotal role in aligning Venezuela with nations like Russia and Iran.

Asserting a message to Trump, Machado said, 'Trust in the Venezuelan populace.' She remains hopeful that if fair elections had occurred, the outcomes would have been decidedly different.

She envisioned Venezuela becoming a trustworthy ally to the U.S. and a land of prosperity, welcoming back Venezuelans who fled due to socio-political unrest, and she supported the resurgence of U.S. oil ventures in the nation.

Machado predicted that remnants of Maduro's regime and other hostile forces would be effectively neutralized, allowing for stability. She praised the unity and determination of Venezuelans, expressing their collective desire for respect, justice, and opportunities.