Trump Anticipates Meeting with Nobel Laureate María Corina Machado

In a recent interview with Fox News on Thursday, January 8, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his anticipation for an upcoming meeting with María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump revealed that Machado is expected to visit Washington next week and stated that he looks forward to greeting her during her stay. When questioned about whether he would accept the Nobel Peace Prize if offered by Machado, Trump responded positively, calling it a 'great honor.' This exchange marks the first potential meeting between Trump and Machado, as Machado mentioned earlier in the week that she has not yet had the opportunity to speak with Trump since receiving the prestigious award last October.
Trump also addressed the current political climate in Venezuela during the interview, emphasizing the need for the country to recover before any elections can be held. He asserted that the nation is currently in a state of disarray and lacks the infrastructure necessary to conduct fair and organized elections. 'We must rebuild this country,' Trump declared. 'They are simply not capable of holding elections at this moment.'
This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about Venezuela's political future and the role of opposition leaders like Machado. While Trump denied any plans to support Machado's potential rise to power, he acknowledged her influence as a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition movement. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Machado is seen by many as a significant step in addressing the challenges facing Venezuela, though it remains unclear how this encounter will impact the broader political landscape.