From elation to frustration: Trump snub wrongfoots Venezuela’s opposition

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Tom Phillips in Cúcuta and Sam Jones in MadridJanuary 6, 2026 at 01:03 PM

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Following Nicolás Maduro's capture in a US raid, Venezuela's opposition initially celebrated, anticipating a new democratic era under María Corina Machado. However, President Trump quickly dashed those hopes, stating Machado lacked sufficient "respect" and signaling support for Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. Trump conditioned his support on Rodríguez opening Venezuela's oil reserves to American companies. This decision has caused confusion and frustration within the Venezuelan opposition, who feel their leader has been sidelined. Analysts note the opposition is disappointed by Trump's decision not to back Machado or Edmundo González. Despite this setback, Machado publicly praised Trump's actions while remaining outside of Venezuela.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Fox News 30% New York Times 30% Edmundo González 30% Operation Absolute Resolve 40% Marco Rubio 50% Ricardo Hausmann ×360% Delcy Rodríguez ×470% United States ×370% María Corina Machado ×580% Venezuela ×480% Donald Trump ×790% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×790%

Keywords

venezuela opposition 90% donald trump 80% nicolás maduro 80% maría corina machado 70% us foreign policy 60% delcy rodríguez 50% political vacuum 50% operation absolute resolve 40% oil reserves 40%