Venezuelan Leader Thanks Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio deserve significant credit for helping create what she believes is the best opportunity in years to restore democracy, economic prosperity, and stability to Venezuela.
Speaking during a Friday interview with Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren, Machado praised the Trump administration’s approach to Venezuela and expressed optimism that the nation could soon emerge from decades of political turmoil and economic collapse.
According to Machado, the policies championed by Trump and Rubio have strengthened the democratic movement while increasing pressure on those responsible for keeping Venezuela under authoritarian rule.
Machado Credits Trump Administration for Supporting Democratic Change
Machado said Venezuela reached a turning point following the disputed 2024 presidential election, which she argues exposed the weakness of the Maduro regime and energized citizens seeking political reform.
She noted that millions of Venezuelans supported democratic opposition candidates and rejected continued authoritarian leadership.
Machado expressed gratitude toward President Trump and Secretary Rubio, saying their commitment to freedom and democratic values has helped keep international attention focused on Venezuela’s struggle.
She described the current moment as a historic opportunity to rebuild the country and strengthen ties with the United States.
Free Elections Could Reshape Venezuela’s Future
A major focus of Machado’s interview was the need for free and fair elections.
She said democratic elections remain essential to restoring legitimacy, rebuilding public trust, and allowing Venezuelans to determine their own future.
Machado also confirmed that she intends to run for president if a transparent election is ultimately held.
Her confidence stems in part from her overwhelming victory in the opposition primary election, where she received more than 90% of the vote before government officials prevented her from appearing on the national ballot.
She argued that the results demonstrated widespread public support for democratic reform.
Rule of Law and Economic Growth Go Hand in Hand
Machado stressed that political freedom and economic recovery must occur together.
She said Venezuela needs strong legal institutions, secure property rights, and respect for contracts in order to attract investment and create jobs.
The opposition leader pledged that a future democratic government would honor legitimate agreements while working to improve conditions for businesses and entrepreneurs.
She believes these reforms could unlock tremendous economic potential and help reverse years of decline.
Machado Takes Aim at Maduro-Era Officials
While discussing obstacles to democratic reform, Machado argued that several influential figures connected to the previous government continue to block meaningful change.
She specifically criticized interim President Delcy Rodríguez, describing her as a key figure within the Maduro political structure.
According to Machado, individuals associated with the former regime understand that genuinely free elections would likely result in a dramatic political shift.
She also renewed calls for the release of political prisoners and greater protections for opposition activists.
Venezuela’s Security Challenges Affect the Entire Region
Machado warned that Venezuela’s problems extend beyond politics and economics.
She argued that years of instability have created broader security concerns that impact neighboring countries and regional partners.
The opposition leader claimed that criminal organizations and extremist networks have benefited from weak governance and corruption.
For that reason, she said restoring democracy would improve not only conditions inside Venezuela but also security throughout the Americas.
Could Venezuela Become America’s Strongest Energy Partner?
Perhaps the most ambitious part of Machado’s vision involves Venezuela’s vast energy resources.
She argued that a democratic Venezuela could transform itself from a nation known for economic collapse into a major energy producer and strategic ally of the United States.
With some of the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela has the potential to become a critical player in regional energy security.
Machado said stronger cooperation with the United States could create new opportunities for trade, investment, job creation, and economic growth.
She believes such a partnership would benefit both nations while reducing instability across the hemisphere.
Millions of Venezuelans Could Return Home
Machado also addressed the humanitarian impact of Venezuela’s crisis.
Nearly one-third of the country’s population has left during years of economic hardship and political unrest.
However, she believes many of those citizens would return if democracy, freedom, and opportunity are restored.
She said Venezuelans want confidence that their families can live safely, build successful businesses, and raise future generations in a stable country.
A Vision Built on Freedom and Opportunity
Machado closed the interview by expressing confidence that Venezuela can overcome its challenges and reclaim its democratic traditions.
She argued that the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans support freedom, constitutional government, and economic opportunity.
For Machado, the movement is about more than politics. It is about reuniting families, restoring dignity, and giving future generations a reason to believe in their country again.
If democratic reforms succeed, she believes Venezuela could become one of America’s strongest allies in energy, trade, security, and the defense of freedom throughout the Western Hemisphere.
