The speech delivered by President Trump on January 4, 2026, left me utterly bewildered. In a mere 15 seconds, he declared that María Corina Machado lacked the backing of the Venezuelan people, and he reiterated twice that she did not hold their respect.
He touched on the topic of oil but omitted any mention of freedom or democracy. My surprise only intensified when he offered a position to Delcy Rodríguez, one of the key figures responsible for Venezuela's plight. Currently serving as vice president, Rodríguez remains in power while Trump effectively governs Venezuela remotely. My astonishment grew further when, months later, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its investigations against her.
When the U.S. orchestrated the removal of Maduro, it should have been President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia stepping off one of those helicopters. The United States had the opportunity to uphold democratic legitimacy by installing him, rather than the vice usurper. The stage was set for the leader of the free world to restore democracy in the Latin American nation with the most democratic history. Yet, this was not the case. The only explanation I've received is that María Corina congratulated Biden upon his election. So what? Offering congratulations to an elected president is standard protocol. If this truly was the reason, it suggests that personal grievances can overshadow national interests, even when promoting democracy was a cornerstone of American diplomacy. I reject this outcome for Cuba and refuse to accept it for Venezuela. Two alternative actions could still rectify this situation today.
Potential Solutions for Venezuela's Political Crisis
Firstly, the president-elect should assert himself at Miraflores and force the issue, akin to stealing home in baseball. There is no need for elections since the records are securely held in Panama.
Alternatively, immediate elections in Venezuela could propel María Corina to become the undisputed leader of the Venezuelan people. If elections could occur under Maduro's regime, why not under his vice president?
However, none of this seems likely to happen. It's noteworthy that María Corina has traveled globally—from Oslo to various parts of Europe, Washington, and even Panama—yet she hasn't visited Doral, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S.
María Corina has sacrificed much, striving not to provoke Trump's ire for the sake of her country. Should she visit Doral, where Trump owns a hotel and golf course, he might be infuriated by the overwhelming support and admiration the exiled community would show her. It would be a celebration filled with fervor and love for her. Thus, it's up to us to raise our voices so that when she finally arrives at Doral, it will be with the presidential sash across her chest, en route to the White House, ready to enter triumphantly.
Understanding Trump's Stance on María Corina Machado
Why did Trump criticize María Corina Machado?
Trump claimed that María Corina Machado lacked the support and respect of the Venezuelan people during his speech on January 4, 2026.
What role does Delcy Rodríguez play in Venezuela's situation?
Delcy Rodríguez, a significant figure in Venezuela's crisis, remains the vice president. Despite her controversial role, Trump has employed her, and the U.S. Department of Justice has dropped investigations against her.
What could have been done differently after Maduro's removal?
Instead of installing the vice usurper, the U.S. had the opportunity to establish President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, thereby upholding democratic legitimacy.
Why hasn't María Corina Machado visited Doral, Florida?
María Corina has avoided visiting Doral to prevent provoking Trump's displeasure, as a visit would likely result in an enthusiastic reception from the exiled community there.