Why Trump Refused to Back Venezuela’s Machado: Fears of Chaos, and Fraying Ties

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Tyler Pager, Anatoly Kurmanaev and Julian E. BarnesJanuary 6, 2026 at 03:37 AM

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In 2026, after Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in Venezuela, President Trump decided not to support opposition leader María Corina Machado as the country's next leader. Trump cited U.S. intelligence suggesting Machado would struggle to govern and a strained relationship between her and his administration as reasons for his decision. Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warned that backing Machado could destabilize Venezuela further. Trump ultimately chose Maduro's vice president to lead, prioritizing stability and oil interests over promoting democracy, despite Machado's efforts to gain his favor. This decision marked a public break between the U.S. and Machado.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Oslo 30% Caracas 30% Edmundo González 40% Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) 40% Marco Rubio 50% United States ×370% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×470% Venezuela ×480% Donald Trump ×1090% María Corina Machado ×890%

Keywords

venezuela 100% maría corina machado 90% donald trump 90% opposition leader 80% u.s. intelligence 70% nicolás maduro 60% political instability 60% u.s. foreign policy 50% oil 40%