Trump signals shift on Venezuela, says he may involve Machado

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he is considering involving Venezuelan opposition leader Mara Corina Machado in some capacity in her country’s political landscape — without saying exactly what role she might play.

Trump’s comments, delivered to reporters at the White House marking the completion of his first year in office, came days after Machado, a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, presented him with her award in a symbolic gesture of gratitude for his role in Venezuela following the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

“We’re talking to her and maybe we can get her involved some way,” Trump said. “I’d love to be able to do that; Maria, maybe we can do that.” The president’s remark marked a notable tone change from earlier in January, when he questioned Machado’s leadership credentials even as his administration fostered cooperation from Venezuela’s interim government.

Addressing reporters, Trump praised Machado as an unbelievably nice woman and reminded them of her gesture. “Maybe we can get her involved,” he said, framing the idea as both diplomatic outreach and a show of respect after her award presentation.

Beyond personal gestures, Trump also offered effusive praise for US-Venezuela cooperation. “I felt so strongly against Venezuela, now I’m loving Venezuela,” the president told reporters, noting that Caracas has been working with us so well. He pointed to anticipated foreign investment in Venezuela’s oil industry — including from American companies — and placed this cooperation among his broader accomplishments as he marked the first anniversary of his second term.

After Maduro’s capture, the White House has maintained working ties with Venezuela’s interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez, even as some international observers express concern about repression and the pace of democratic transition in the oil-rich nation. Meanwhile, Machado’s opposition coalition claims widespread popular support and insists on a democratic path forward, though exact commitments from Washington remain vague.

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