Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has declared that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado holds significant support and respect within Venezuela. This statement stands in contrast to recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who downplayed the internal backing for the liberal leader.
During a press conference aired by FOX News and an interview with journalist Gloria Ordaz, Díaz-Balart expressed confidence that Machado will become Venezuela's next president.
Representing Florida, the congressman emphasized that support for María Corina Machado is "authentic and sustained," extending beyond the Venezuelan diaspora and international sectors.
Additionally, the congressman voiced his approval of the U.S. military operation in which elite forces captured dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to be tried in the United States on narcoterrorism charges. He deemed the action "necessary" as part of a strategy to expedite political change in Venezuela.
He also sharply criticized the response of some Democratic lawmakers, who accused the Trump administration of "interventionism" and warned that Washington's oversight of Venezuela's transition could be seen as a return to colonialism.
Díaz-Balart dismissed that notion and defended the decision to carry out the operation without prior notice to Congress, citing national security reasons. He disclosed that he was personally informed "by top officials" about Maduro's capture, though he refrained from providing further details on that communication.
Ultimately, the congressman reiterated his support for the U.S. military presence in the region until Venezuela achieves a democratic transition.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of future talks with Delcy Rodríguez, who declared herself president following Maduro's arrest. He clarified that any discussions must focus solely on facilitating a democratic exit, "never on legitimizing" the Chavista regime.
Insights on Venezuela's Political Climate
What does Mario Díaz-Balart say about María Corina Machado's support in Venezuela?
Mario Díaz-Balart affirms that María Corina Machado has genuine and sustained support within Venezuela, not limited to the diaspora or international sectors.
How did Díaz-Balart respond to the Democratic criticism of the U.S. operation in Venezuela?
He criticized Democrats for their accusations of interventionism, defending the operation as necessary for national security and political change in Venezuela.
What is Díaz-Balart's stance on future negotiations with Delcy Rodríguez?
He is open to discussions, provided they are aimed solely at facilitating a democratic transition and not legitimizing the Chavista regime.