Venezuela's María Corina Machado Stumbles After Trump's Surprise Betrayal

Venezuela's opposition was left reeling after US President Donald Trump's unexpected decision to back Nicolás Maduro's loyalist Delcy Rodríguez over opposition leader María Corina Machado to lead a transition. Machado, who had gained international attention for her daring escape from Venezuela to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, was left scrambling to regain relevance after Trump's move. The opposition had been optimistic that the US-backed ousting of Maduro would pave the way for Machado to take power. However, Trump's decision to side with Rodríguez, a key figure in Maduro's regime, has raised concerns that the opposition's chances of taking control are dwindling. Analysts say the move is a pragmatic one, aimed at securing near-term stability and maintaining access to Venezuela's oil wealth. Machado's tough stance against the government has also made it difficult for her to maintain public order and sparked criticism from business elites and some Venezuelans. The opposition is now facing one of its biggest challenges yet in its quarter-century battle against Chavismo, the far-left movement led by Maduro. As the opposition struggles to regain momentum, some members are holding out hope that Maduro's downfall will create an opportunity for a democratic transition. They point to the need for a free and fair election, which is currently not on the agenda. Machado and other opposition leaders have continued to praise Trump, but in private, they are said to be working to persuade the White House to rethink its approach. They are likely to lean on Republican lawmakers in South Florida to try to persuade Trump to reconsider his decision. Despite the challenges ahead, some opposition members remain hopeful that the situation can be turned around. They point to the need for a return to democracy and the rule of law, which they argue is essential for Venezuela's economic recovery and stability. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, Machado's best hope may lie in returning home to drum up pressure and demonstrate her support among Venezuelans. However, this would be a perilous move, requiring a delicate balance between building momentum and avoiding a violent backlash from regime hard-liners.