In the wake of the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on the morning of Saturday, January 3, U.S. President Donald Trump made strong statements regarding the political transition in Venezuela. Trump asserted that opposition leader María Corina Machado “does not have the prestige or respect to lead the country” and emphasized that “the transition will be handled by us,” reaffirming that the United States would oversee the political process.
During a press briefing, Trump clarified that he has not personally spoken with Machado and downplayed any potential role she might play in the forthcoming political changes. His comments come amid heightened international attention following the U.S.-led operation that resulted in Maduro’s detention, which also involved the capture of his wife, Cilia Flores.
Trump’s declaration underscores the firm stance of the U.S. government regarding its involvement in shaping Venezuela’s political future. According to Trump, the operation was part of a broader plan to ensure a controlled and “safe, democratic, and orderly” transition, avoiding a power vacuum and stabilizing the country.
