Story perspectives

Trump Backs Maduro's VP, Challenges Machado's Leadership Bid

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet María Corina Machado, an opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, amid Venezuela's power struggle after Nicolás Maduro's capture.
Trump doubts Machado's ability to lead and backs Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president installed as interim president.
Machado, in hiding, seeks to regain Trump's favor, even offering her Nobel Prize.
Rodríguez has secured a deal with Trump for oil exports, complicating Machado's position.

History

Historical Context

The Venezuelan crisis intensified in 2019 when Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president on January 23, challenging Nicolás Maduro's regime, which had faced accusations of illegitimacy since the disputed 2018 elections. The U.S. imposed sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil exports, which constituted 95% of its revenue, reflecting a historical pattern of U.S. intervention in Latin America favoring opposition leaders.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet María Corina Machado, an opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, amid Venezuela's power struggle after Nicolás Maduro's capture.
Trump doubts Machado's ability to lead and backs Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president installed as interim president.
Machado, in hiding, seeks to regain Trump's favor, even offering her Nobel Prize.
Rodríguez has secured a deal with Trump for oil exports, complicating Machado's position.

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