Foreign Affairs

Trump Signals Support for Venezuelan Opposition Leader Amidst Continued Crisis

By National Correspondent | January 9, 2026

President Trump announces interest in meeting Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado in Washington, highlighting ongoing U.S. stakes in Venezuela’s political turmoil and energy sector reconstruction.

In a revealing interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump expressed his intention to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado during her upcoming visit to Washington D.C. next week. Calling her “a good person,” Trump’s remarks mark a notable pivot from his earlier skepticism about Machado’s readiness to lead Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro’s capture.

Is U.S. Engagement with Venezuela Finally Strategic or Merely Symbolic?

The president’s newfound openness towards Machado coincides with plans to convene representatives from 14 American oil companies tasked with rebuilding Venezuela’s devastated oil infrastructure—a sector pivotal not only for regional stability but also for America’s energy interests. This alignment underscores the complex interplay between promoting democracy abroad and protecting economic leverage that defines America First policy at its core.

Yet, how genuine is this commitment? The episode exposes Washington’s historical pattern of wavering support between Venezuelan actors, often undermining consistent strategies for national sovereignty restoration in the hemisphere. Trump’s previous doubts about Machado’s popular support signal the cautious approach leaders must take when endorsing foreign figures amidst volatile political landscapes.

America Can’t Afford Another Failed Foreign Intervention

Venezuela remains mired in crisis—economic collapse, humanitarian disaster, and authoritarian rule persist despite years of international pressure. For patriotic Americans watching from afar, the key question is whether U.S. actions truly advance freedom and security or merely rehearse globalist distractions draining resources from pressing domestic priorities.

Engaging with opposition leaders like Machado could signal a step toward restoring democratic values aligned with American principles of liberty and sovereignty. However, it also risks entangling the U.S. deeper into foreign conflicts without clear strategy or measurable benefits at home.

As Trump prepares to host both political and corporate delegations targeting Venezuela’s future, it is imperative that policymakers balance ideals with pragmatism—prioritizing outcomes that secure America’s borders, protect its energy independence, and uphold national dignity over fleeting diplomatic photo ops.