U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed admiration for opposition leader María Corina Machado, calling her "fantastic," but noted her absence from Venezuela.
"María Corina Machado is fantastic, and I've known her and the entire movement for a long time, but we're dealing with immediate realities," Rubio remarked on NBC's Meet the Press this past Sunday.
He highlighted the current situation, lamenting, "The unfortunate and sad reality is that the vast majority of the opposition is no longer present in Venezuela. We have short-term issues that need urgent attention," addressing the possibility of an opposition-led transition.
Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump questioned Machado's capability to lead Venezuela.
"She lacks sufficient support and respect within the country," the Republican stated during a press briefing at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, where he detailed the operation that extracted Nicolás Maduro from Caracas.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that Machado had not been contacted following the incident.
In response, Machado released a statement to the Venezuelan people, asserting that "the time for freedom has arrived" and urged citizens to remain organized and active throughout the democratic transition.
Dated January 3, 2026, her statement emphasized that Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for "heinous crimes committed against Venezuelans and citizens of many other nations," and highlighted the U.S. government's commitment to enforcing the law due to his refusal to negotiate.
The opposition leader declared, "It is time for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to govern our country," calling for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of order, and the building of "an exceptional nation."
Machado affirmed, "We have fought for years, given everything, and it has been worth it," acknowledging this moment as the time for citizens "who risked everything for democracy on July 28." She recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela, who, according to the statement, should assume his constitutional role and be recognized as Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces.
Nevertheless, during Saturday's press conference, President Trump dismissed the Venezuelan opposition and revealed that the U.S. strategy involves negotiating with Chavismo.
Key Points about the Venezuelan Opposition and U.S. Involvement
Why is María Corina Machado not in Venezuela?
María Corina Machado is currently outside Venezuela, which complicates her ability to lead the opposition effectively from within the country.
What is the current U.S. stance on the Venezuelan opposition?
The U.S. currently appears to be prioritizing negotiations with the Chavista regime over supporting the Venezuelan opposition, as indicated by President Trump's recent statements.
Who is recognized as the legitimate president of Venezuela by María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado recognizes Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela and has called for him to assume his constitutional role.