WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump held talks with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in a politically charged White House meeting that underscored uncertainty over Venezuela’s post-Maduro future, as Washington balances rival opposition claims, interim authorities, and its own strategic interests in oil and reconstruction.
Machado, who fled Venezuela in a daring seaborne escape last month, is competing for Trump’s ear with members of Venezuela’s government and seeking to ensure she has a role in governing the nation going forward.
The lunch meeting marks the first time the two have met in person.
“I know the president was looking forward to this meeting, and he was expecting it to be a good and positive discussion with Miss Machado, who is really a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a briefing, according to Reuters.
She said Trump’s earlier assessment of Machado, in which he said she did not command the respect in Venezuela to govern it, stands.
After the US captured Venezuela’s longtime leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, various opposition figures, members of Venezuela’s diaspora and politicians throughout the US and Latin America have expressed hope that Venezuela will begin the process of democratisation.
But for now, Trump has said he is focused on economically rebuilding Venezuela and securing US access to the country’s oil.
The day after the Jan 3 operation, he expressed doubts that Machado had the backing needed to return to the country and govern, telling reporters: “She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.”
Trump has on several occasions praised Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president, saying in an interview on Wednesday: “She’s been very good to deal with.”
A Nobel for Trump?
One potential topic of conversation for Thursday’s White House meeting was the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Machado last month, a snub to Trump, who has long sought the award.
Machado has suggested she would give the prize to the US president for having deposed Maduro, though the Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked.
Asked if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump said: “No, I didn’t say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.” Pressed on what he would do if she brought the prize nonetheless, he responded: “Well, that’s what I’m hearing. I don’t know, but I shouldn’t be the one to say. “I think we’re just going to talk.”
