‘Profoundly pro-American’: Machado outlines a vision for Venezuela’s future

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Allison GrinerJanuary 16, 2026 at 10:18 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado held her first news conference since fleeing Venezuela in December, following the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro by the US military on January 3, 2026. Speaking at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C. on January 16, Machado outlined her vision for Venezuela's future, emphasizing a close alliance with the United States. She stated that a stable, post-Maduro Venezuela would be the US's best ally in the Americas. This announcement followed a closed-door meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The US military action to abduct Maduro, who is now facing trial in New York City, has been criticized by some as a violation of international law.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New York City 30% White House 40% Caracas 40% Hugo Chavez 50% Delcy Rodriguez 50% Heritage Foundation ×260% Donald Trump ×580% United States ×280% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×680% Maria Corina Machado ×690% Venezuela ×690%

Keywords

venezuela 100% maria corina machado 90% us relations 80% donald trump 70% democratic transition 70% political opposition 60% nicolas maduro 60% military intervention 50% international law 50% chavismo 40%