Trump nonetheless would not see Venezuela’s opposition chief as a president | EUROtoday

As of: January 15, 2026 11:34 p.m

The Venezuelan opposition chief Machado was apparently unable to vary the US President’s thoughts on the assembly within the White House: According to his spokeswoman, Trump nonetheless considers her unsuitable to guide her nation.

According to the White House, US President Donald Trump nonetheless doesn’t see Venezuelan opposition chief María Corina Machado as a promising successor to ousted head of state Nicolás Maduro.

At a press convention, Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt answered within the affirmative when requested whether or not Trump nonetheless thought it was tough for Machado to guide Venezuela as a result of she lacked help and respect within the nation. Leavitt stated it was a “realistic assessment” primarily based on what Trump had learn and heard from his advisers and his nationwide safety crew.

Trump welcomed final yr’s Nobel Peace Prize winner to a lunch assembly on the White House. There was no shared photograph; Machado entered the US President’s official residence by means of a aspect entrance. According to Leavitt, each spoke in regards to the “reality in Venezuela and current events.” There was initially no response from Trump himself after the assembly.

Machado provides Trump hers Nobel Prize medal

Machado stated she introduced Trump along with her Nobel Prize gold medal. After the 2 met, she didn’t touch upon whether or not Trump had accepted her present.

In addition to a certificates, Nobel Prize winners additionally obtain a gold medal. Machado stated she gave her medal to Trump. The Nobel Prize Institute had made it clear days in the past {that a} Nobel Prize couldn’t be handed on. Machado had beforehand devoted her award to Trump.

Machado after assembly: We can depend on Trump

Addressing supporters gathered across the White House after the dialog, Machado stated: “Rest assured that we can count on President Trump for Venezuela’s freedom.”

At the start of the month, US forces captured the authoritarian head of state Maduro and his spouse throughout a navy operation in Venezuela and introduced them to the USA. Trump then expressed skepticism in regards to the opposition chief’s suitability as his successor. From his viewpoint, she neither enjoys the mandatory help nor the mandatory respect within the nation, he stated.

With data from Anne Schneider, ARD Studio Washington.