Trump plans to meet with Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week

President Donald Trump said Thursday he plans to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington next week.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Trump was asked if he planned to meet with Machado after the United States struck Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolás Maduro.

“Well, I understand she’s coming next week and I look forward to saying hello to her,” Trump said.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado waves a national flag during an opposition-organized protest on the eve of the presidential inauguration, in Caracas on January 9, 2025. (JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

This will be Trump’s first meeting with Machado, who the US president said “does not have the support or respect within the country” to lead.

According to reports, Trump’s refusal to support Machado was linked to his acceptance of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump believed he deserved.

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But Trump later told NBC News that while he believed Machado should not have won the award, her acceptance of the award had “nothing to do with my decision” about the prospect of her leading Venezuela.