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Snapshot 8:Thu, Jan 15, 2026 10:25:23 PM GMT last edited by Nick

Machado Says Venezuela 'Can Count on Trump' for Freedom After Meeting Him

Machado Says Venezuela 'Can Count on Trump' for Freedom After Meeting Him

Machado Says Venezuela 'Can Count on Trump' for Freedom After Meeting Him
Above: Venezuela's opposition leader María Corina Machado greets supporters after meeting U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Jan. 15. Image credit: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Trump's brilliant strategy uses Delcy Rodriguez as a puppet to dismantle the Chavista regime without boots on the ground or nation-building chaos, while preventing the María Corina Machado-led opposition from facing dangerous military resistance that could create a failed state in Venezuela. Trump wants Venezuela to be a democracy, but first he must force corrupt insiders to purge their own ranks and clear the path for real democracy.

Trump only wants oil access and geopolitical leverage, not democratic renewal, so Machado faces a serious risk of being sidelined as the U.S. and Maduro loyalists reach deals without opposition involvement. It's pressing for the opposition to mobilize mass protests with achievable goals, emancipate itself from U.S. interests and form an international bloc with other democratic countries. Otherwise, the Chavista will continue in power in Venezuela.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 17% chance that Venezuela will announce a presidential election before April 1, 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0