Venezuela's opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has pledged her support to former US President Donald Trump in rebuilding the South American nation, while also attempting to 'share' her Nobel Peace Prize with him. This comes amid reported tensions following the military capture of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro.
Nobel Prize Dedication Sparks Tension
In an interview with Fox News, Machado addressed reports that Trump was displeased with her acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize in October, an honour he has long desired. Machado stated she dedicated the prize to Trump immediately upon learning of her win, believing he deserved it for his support of Venezuela's democratic cause.
She reiterated this in a conversation with host Sean Hannity, affirming that Maduro's capture was another reason Trump merited recognition. When asked if she had offered the prize to Trump, Machado clarified, "Well, it hasn't happened yet, but I would certainly love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to give it to him and share it with him."
Rebuilding Venezuela and Political Fallout
Despite the apparent rift, Machado promised unwavering support for Trump's efforts in Venezuela. She outlined an ambitious vision, stating, "We will turn Venezuela into the energy powerhouse of the Americas, we will bring rule of law, open markets, open it for investment." She vowed the return of millions of exiles to build a prosperous nation free from socialism.
However, Trump has publicly distanced himself from Machado since Maduro's capture. Insiders revealed his displeasure stems from her Nobel acceptance, with one source telling the Washington Post, "If she had turned it down and said, 'I can't accept it because it's Donald Trump's,' she'd be the president of Venezuela today." Trump recently dismissed her prospects, claiming she lacked sufficient support and respect within Venezuela, comments which reportedly caught her team off guard.
Regional Implications and Domestic Support
The political manoeuvring occurs against the backdrop of Operation 'Absolute Resolve,' which led to Maduro's removal. Trump has issued warnings to Cuba, Colombia, and Iran in its wake. In Venezuela, the armed forces have recognised Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president, as acting president.
Machado warned that Rodríguez maintains alliances with Russia, China, and Iran and cannot be trusted. Meanwhile, she retains significant support from key US Republicans. Florida Representatives María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart forcefully reaffirmed their backing, with Díaz-Balart declaring, "the next democratically elected President of Venezuela is going to be María Corina Machado."
The Nobel committee awarded Machado the prize for her tireless promotion of democratic rights. Her proxy candidate, Edmundo González, won over two-thirds of the vote in last year's election, which Maduro refused to honour. Analysts suggest Venezuela's vast oil reserves are a central factor, offering both an incentive for engagement and a source of leverage in the ongoing political crisis.
