Machado Asserts Leadership Role Following Maduro's Ouster

Thu Jan 08 2026 16:01:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declares her readiness to lead the country post-Maduro regime, citing U.S. support and expressing distrust in the interim government.

In the wake of U.S. military action leading to Nicolás Maduro's removal, María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, has claimed she should lead Venezuela. Despite her gratitude to the U.S. for its intervention, Machado faces skepticism regarding her support from the Venezuelan populace. While interim leader Delcy Rodríguez takes charge, Machado warns against trusting her, highlighting her complicity in government repression.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has declared that she should absolutely assume leadership of the country following the United States' recent ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. In an interview with CBS, Machado stated, We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated.

Machado expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership and courage during the U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in Maduro's arrest. However, she voiced concerns about the loyalty to the newly appointed interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who is perceived as a Maduro ally and lacks public trust.

Despite claiming victory in the controversial elections of 2024, Machado noted that Trump has withheld support for her, suggesting she lacks respect and traction in Venezuela. It would be very tough for her to be the leader, Trump remarked, complicating Machado's aspirations.

Moreover, she condemned Rodríguez, who assumed office following the U.S. special forces' intervention, labeling her one of the principal architects of repression in the country. Machado insisted that both Venezuelans and the international community recognize Rodríguez's controversial role.

While Rodríguez denied external control over the Venezuelan government and affirmed her leadership, Machado remains undeterred, advocating for what she sees as necessary changes in governance to restore democracy and prosperity to Venezuela.