WASHINGTON — In a striking recalibration of U.S. policy toward South America, President Donald Trump signaled on Tuesday that he is now open to a formal political role for Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.1 The comments, delivered during a White House briefing on January 20, 2026, mark a significant departure from the President’s previous efforts to sideline the “Iron Lady” of Venezuela following the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
“We’re talking to her and maybe we can get her involved some way,” Trump told reporters. “I’d love to be able to do that. Maria, maybe we can do that.”
A “Peace through Strength” Peace Offering
The thaw in relations follows a high-stakes meeting at the White House last week, where Machado made an unprecedented gesture: she presented Trump with her physical 18-carat gold Nobel Peace Prize medal.2
Machado, who was awarded the prize in late 2025 for her unified struggle against the Maduro regime, described the gift as a recognition of Trump’s “principled and decisive action.”3 While the Nobel Institute has clarified that the title of laureate remains hers and cannot be legally transferred, Trump accepted the physical award, later calling it a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect” on Truth Social.4+1
The “Absolute Resolve” Aftermath
The shift in tone comes as the U.S. administration navigates the complex vacuum left by Operation Absolute Resolve. The January 3 military strike resulted in the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently awaiting trial in New York on narcoterrorism charges.5
In the immediate wake of the raid, Trump had snubbed Machado, publicly questioning her “support and respect” within the country and instead backing Maduro’s former Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim leader.
| Date | Key Event | Strategic Significance |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Operation Absolute Resolve | Maduro captured; Trump sidelines Machado. |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In | US backs former VP as interim president. |
| Jan 15, 2026 | White House Meeting | Machado presents Nobel medal to Trump. |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Trump “Reconsideration” | President signals potential integration of Machado into the transition. |
Navigating the Transition
While the administration remains in close contact with Delcy Rodríguez to ensure operational stability and the flow of Venezuelan oil, Machado’s “Nobel diplomacy” appears to have secured her a seat at the table.
Sources close to the State Department suggest that she is being considered for a high-level role in a proposed National Reconstruction Council. This body would be tasked with overseeing the “free and fair” elections that the U.S. expects to occur by late 2027.
“I felt so strongly against Venezuela, now I’m loving Venezuela,” Trump noted on Tuesday, praising the cooperation his administration has received since the ouster of the socialist government.6
