Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, is set for a high-stakes meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House this Thursday. This visit occurs during a period of intense uncertainty for Venezuela following recent US military action and the dramatic capture of the country's long-standing leader, Nicolás Maduro.
Political Landscape After US Strikes
The meeting follows the significant US military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026. In the aftermath, Nicolás Maduro was captured, leading to his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, being sworn in as the acting president of Venezuela. President Trump has since called off a planned second wave of attacks, pointing to Venezuela's cooperation and its release of political prisoners as reasons. He has even referred to Venezuela as an ally "right now," while stating that more military action is not needed.
However, Trump has been hesitant to fully back Machado as Venezuela's leader. He previously expressed doubts about her ability to govern, citing a lack of broad public support and respect within the nation. Despite this, he has shown openness to engaging with the new acting president, Rodríguez, indicating that his administration is "working along really well with the leadership."
The Nobel Prize Dynamic
A unique element in the upcoming discussion is the Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who holds the prestigious award, has suggested she might offer it to President Trump—a gesture he has called an "honor." The Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified that Nobel Prizes are non-transferable.
Trump, during a recent meeting with oil executives, commented on the prize, saying, "I can’t think of anybody in history that should get the Nobel Prize more than me. And I don’t want to be bragging, but nobody else settled wars." When questioned if receiving the prize from Machado would change his view on her role in Venezuela, he avoided a direct answer, stating he would need to speak with her first.
Economic Challenges and Oil Sector Resistance
Beyond the immediate political talks, the Trump administration faces hurdles in its plan for Venezuela's recovery. A key part of the strategy involves courting major oil companies to invest in rebuilding Venezuela's crippled energy sector. This effort has hit a wall.
At a recent White House meeting with energy executives, no major investment commitments were secured. Concerns were raised about the country's long-term stability, with the CEO of ExxonMobil reportedly describing Venezuela as "uninvestible." President Trump has acknowledged that US involvement in Venezuela could extend for years, telling The New York Times, "Only time will tell."
The outcome of Thursday's meeting between Trump and Machado will be closely watched, as it could signal the next direction for US policy in a nation still reeling from conflict and leadership change.
