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Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at White House
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with oil and gas executives in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 9, 2026. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Venezuela’s opposition leader at the White House on Thursday, less than two weeks after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
María Corina Machado‘s visit comes amid uncertainty over the future leadership of the South American country. It also comes a day after the Senate narrowly blocked a war powers resolution, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
Trump hasn’t ruled out Machado playing a role in Venezuela’s future leadership, saying she may be involved in some aspect. However, following Maduro’s ouster by the United States earlier this month, Trump has said Machado lacks the support and respect of the Venezuelan people.
Venezuela vows continued prisoner releases
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Wednesday her government would continue to release prisoners detained under Maduro’s rule in what she described as “a new political moment.”
Speaking at her first news briefing since Maduro’s capture, Rodríguez struck a conciliatory tone, addressing journalists from the presidential palace in Caracas. She said the release of detainees — a move reportedly encouraged by the Trump administration — “has not yet concluded.”
A Venezuelan human rights organization estimates that about 800 political prisoners are still being detained. That figure includes political leaders, soldiers, lawyers and members of civil society.
Trump: Venezuela will prosper again
On Wednesday, Trump held his first conversation with Rodríguez since Maduro’s ouster.
“We are making tremendous progress as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover,” Trump later wrote on social media, noting discussions on oil, minerals, trade and national security.
“Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!” he added.
As the White House moves to boost Venezuela’s oil industry, it has completed its first Venezuelan oil sale. Sources say the deal was worth about $500 million, with additional sales expected soon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.