Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has asserted that she should absolutely lead Venezuela following last week’s US military intervention that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s removal. Speaking to CBS, Machado stated she and her movement stand ready to serve the nation as mandated by the people during the disputed 2024 elections.
Machado expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump’s actions in orchestrating Maduro’s arrest, describing the military operation as a significant advancement for democracy and the rule of law. She characterized the intervention as essential progress toward restoring prosperity in the South American nation. However, Trump has publicly questioned her viability as a successor, claiming she lacks domestic support and respect.
The former legislator, a recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, directed criticism toward interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president. Machado claimed that nobody in Venezuela trusts Rodríguez and accused her of being instrumental in orchestrating state repression. She emphasized that citizens both domestically and internationally recognize Rodríguez’s involvement in the previous regime’s oppressive policies.
Rodríguez assumed office following Maduro’s detention, which occurred after US special forces breached Venezuelan security. Though she has faced American sanctions related to her ministerial positions under Maduro, no criminal charges have been filed against her by US authorities. The interim leader has maintained that Venezuela’s government operates independently.
In response to Trump’s statements suggesting American control over Venezuela, Rodríguez publicly denied external governance, declaring that Venezuelans alone rule their nation. She emphasized Venezuelan sovereignty in a televised address, rejecting any claims of US interference in the country’s administration or decision-making processes.
