Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's future hangs in the balance after a U.S. military operation ousted President Nicolas Maduro from power. A 58-year-old long-time critic of the embattled leader, Machado had been living in hiding since the 2024 election due to fears of arrest. But with her escape to accept the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, she was seen as a frontrunner to replace Maduro - or at least given a chance.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump swiftly extinguished those hopes by stating it would be "very tough" for Machado to assume the presidency due to a lack of national support and respect. Instead, Trump announced plans to collaborate with Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president, who was sworn in as interim leader just hours later.
Critics argue that Trump's actions undermine Venezuelan sovereignty and international law. While some Venezuelans in exile have welcomed the news, many worry about the long-term implications of this move. Freddy Guevara Cortez, a former opposition member in Venezuela's National Assembly, cautions that "they think [the Trump administration] basically bet on what they consider to be the most stable transition possible." However, even those supporting Trump's actions acknowledge that the situation is complex and that Machado would have been a preferred choice.
The U.S. operation has reignited hopes for change in Venezuela, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to lasting stability or another chapter of turmoil.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump swiftly extinguished those hopes by stating it would be "very tough" for Machado to assume the presidency due to a lack of national support and respect. Instead, Trump announced plans to collaborate with Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president, who was sworn in as interim leader just hours later.
Critics argue that Trump's actions undermine Venezuelan sovereignty and international law. While some Venezuelans in exile have welcomed the news, many worry about the long-term implications of this move. Freddy Guevara Cortez, a former opposition member in Venezuela's National Assembly, cautions that "they think [the Trump administration] basically bet on what they consider to be the most stable transition possible." However, even those supporting Trump's actions acknowledge that the situation is complex and that Machado would have been a preferred choice.
The U.S. operation has reignited hopes for change in Venezuela, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to lasting stability or another chapter of turmoil.
. I mean, on one hand, I get why Trump wants to back Delcy Rodriguez - she's got experience and all that. But at the same time, I can see why people are worried about Venezuelan sovereignty and international law being bent 
. I think Machado was a good choice too - she's been speaking truth to power for years 
.
. It feels like he's trying to push his own agenda and it's gonna be hard for anyone to trust him now 
. I'm still hoping that Venezuela can find some stability, but if Trump's got other plans... 
Is it just about maintaining US influence in Venezuela or is there something more to it? 
Anyway, I think Machado was a strong contender for the presidency and her exclusion from the process doesn't exactly fill me with confidence.
Not ideal, if you ask me. And what about the long-term implications? Will this lead to more stability or just another round of turmoil?
I guess only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - this is a complex situation that requires some serious careful consideration. We can't just jump to conclusions and assume everything is gonna be okay... we need to keep an open mind (and eyes) on what happens next 
. Can't we just get a stable government already?! 
. It's like he's trying to make a power move without even consulting the people of Venezuela. I mean, I get that he thinks she doesn't have enough support, but couldn't he at least try to help her build that support instead of just taking away her chance? 
. One thing's for sure, though - this whole situation is a mess 
... the whole situation just feels so messy 
. On one hand, I get why people would want change and an end to the suffering the country has been through for years 
And what about Machado's future? She seemed like a strong contender to bring some stability to the country 
.
Trump's decision is so weird, I'm trying to understand why he didn't give Machado a chance 
. But Trump's actions have got me thinking... what's really going on here? 
I need more info! 
but then Trump comes out and is all "nope" 
Freddy Guevara Cortez makes a point tho, he says they're trying to make the most stable choice but at what cost? 
now venezuela's future is literally up in the air and nobody knows what's gonna happen next...u think delcy rodriguez is a stable choice lol pls 
anyway, it's def not good for venezuela's sovereignty and it's super unclear how this whole thing will play out 
. I mean, Machado's all about reform and change, she was actually getting things done on the ground before she had to flee for her life. It's not like she's some kind of extremist leader or anything. And now, just 'cause Trump says no to her, it's like her chances are shot down in flames 
), while others are worried it's gonna lead to more chaos down the line 
. Either way, it's def an interesting development 
. But at the same time, I feel like we're just being told what to think instead of letting the Venezuelans figure out their own destiny 
. Trump's move is like, super sketchy 
, and I'm not buying the whole "supporting stability" thing 
The US government needs to stop thinking they can play kingmaker and let Venezuela figure out its own future. It's their country, after all... 
about what's happening in Venezuela right now! I mean, it's crazy to think that a US military op had to step in to get rid of Maduro - like, what were they even doing?