Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Celebrates Maduro’s Ouster
January 6, 2026 / 8:39 PM EST
CBS News
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed her gratitude towards President Trump following the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, effectively ending his nearly 13-year reign. In an exclusive interview with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, Machado asserted that her coalition has a legitimate mandate to lead the country moving forward, despite Trump casting doubt on her ability to assume power.
Maduro’s Capture and Political Landscape
Machado’s statements come just days after the dramatic U.S. mission in Caracas, which has been celebrated by many in the opposition. Since aligning with Trump and supporting his administration’s pressure campaign against Maduro’s regime, she has emphasized the need for a transition of power. She has called for her ally Edmundo González, recognized by the U.S. as the winner of the controversial 2024 election, to take over the leadership in Venezuela.
Trump’s Skepticism
Despite Machado’s enthusiasm, Trump expressed concerns during a statement, questioning her support within Venezuela and commenting, “She’s a very nstart woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.” When addressing the reasons for Trump’s remarks, Machado suggested it might stem from ongoing fears regarding the country’s stability amid fears of opposition from militant groups supported by external powers such as Iran and Cuba.
A Call for Democracy
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Machado expressed optimism about the majority support she believes exists within the military and polstart for an orderly transition to democracy. “I believe we have a united country,” she stated confidently, asserting that the Venezuelan populace deserves a government they chose.
Despite being barred from contending in the 2024 election-where González ran against Maduro-Machado claims that widespread allegations of fraud against Maduro’s government have tarnished the election results. The situation casts further doubts on the legitimacy of any current governance structures.
Gratitude and A Vision for the Future
Machado conveyed to CBS News that Venezuelans remain “very grateful” to Trump for his intervention, viewing Maduro’s arrest as a pivotal step towards reclaiming prosperity, rule of law, and democracy. However, she acknowledged that Venezuela has yet to achieve these goals.
In the interview, she highlighted Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president, as a central figure in Maduro’s corruption, alleging she is a key architect of the country’s oppressive security state. Machado asserted that the public is well aware of her role.
In a direct address to Trump, Machado urged him to “Trust the Venezuelan people,” emphasizing a desire for free and fair elections, which she believes would have significantly changed the current situation. She is optimistic about a future in which Venezuela not only becomes an ally of the United States but also a beacon of prosperity, inviting back those who fled due to political persecution and economic hardship.
She expressed her support for U.S. oil companies returning to Venezuela, aligning with Trump’s recent advocacy, and confidently predicted that remnants of Maduro’s regime and any violent factions would be neutralized.
Unity Among the Venezuelan People
Machado emphasized a vision of a cohesive society, asserting that “more than 90% of our population wants the same. We want to live with respect, with dignity, with juststart and opportunities.”
For Machado, the upcoming chapter in Venezuela’s history is start of hope and determination, as she strives for a peaceful transition realizing the aspirations of the Venezuelan people.
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