Venezuelan opposition leader ‘absolutely’ backs Trump’s oil boat seizure, pressure on Maduro
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has expressed her support for President Trump’s recent actions against the Maduro regime in Venezuela. Machado endorsed the seizure of a vessel transporting oil out of her home country and the overall pressure campaign that Trump has been leading.
In an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Machado praised Trump for his efforts to oust socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, stating that she believes he is a champion of freedom in the hemisphere. She acknowledged that the tightening of sanctions and other punitive measures could be harsh for the already struggling Venezuelan people, but she emphasized that these actions are necessary to ultimately benefit the country in the long run.
Machado recently made a perilous journey out of Venezuela to attend a ceremony in Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize and reunite with her daughter for the first time since 2023. She had been in hiding and had not been seen in public since January 9. Despite facing obstacles in her own political career, Machado remains committed to the cause of democracy in Venezuela.
The Trump administration has escalated its pressure campaign against Venezuela in recent weeks, with actions such as seizing alleged drug boats, deploying additional military resources to the region, and increasing the bounty on Maduro to $50 million. Trump has even hinted at the possibility of striking land targets in Venezuela in the future.
While Machado did not disclose any specific details about Trump’s plans for land strikes, she emphasized that the Venezuelan opposition does not intend to interfere in the national security policies of other countries. She also expressed her disappointment at being barred from running as the opposition candidate against Maduro in the 2024 elections, with the candidacy eventually going to Edmundo Gonzalez.
Despite Maduro’s victory in the controversial election, which has been questioned by outside observers, Machado remains dedicated to the cause of democracy in Venezuela. She believes that the tougher sanctions and actions taken against the Maduro regime are necessary to save lives and prevent further harm to the Venezuelan people.
In conclusion, Machado emphasized that the actions being taken against Maduro are for the well-being of the Venezuelan people, who have been suffering under his oppressive regime. She highlighted the regime’s involvement in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and arms purchases, emphasizing the need to combat these threats to ensure a better future for Venezuela.
