WILLEMSTAD — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she expects to one day become the first female president of Venezuela, according to recent remarks reported following her high-profile visit to the United States.
In an interview aired on U.S. television, Machado underscored her long-term aspiration to lead her country, highlighting her vision for Venezuela’s future as the nation navigates political upheaval after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Machado has positioned herself as a key figure in her country’s post-Maduro political landscape.
Machado was previously barred from participating in Venezuela’s presidential elections, a move critics described as politically motivated. After U.S. forces seized Maduro in early January 2026 as part of an operation that shocked the region, she has expressed renewed hope that political change in Venezuela could finally become a reality.
The opposition leader’s recent visit to Washington included a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where she discussed the future of her country and the path toward democratic transition. Ahead of the meeting, Trump had publicly questioned whether Machado possessed the necessary support and respect within Venezuela to govern, instead indicating support for interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who had worked closely with Maduro.
Despite mixed signals from U.S. officials, Machado’s confidence in her leadership prospects remains strong. In her interview, she outlined her desire to transform Venezuela, emphasizing democratic renewal and national progress. During her Washington visit, she also sought to highlight the importance of Venezuela’s democratic transition and the role international partners might play.
A long-standing figure in the Venezuelan opposition, Machado has led calls for democratic reforms and has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts. Her ambition to become president represents both a personal declaration of intent and a broader symbol of ongoing political contestation in Venezuela’s uncertain future.
Her journey from opposition candidate to possible presidential contender comes at a moment of intense political flux, as the international community watches developments in Caracas and within Venezuela’s diaspora. Machado has repeatedly stressed her willingness to serve her country and her commitment to democratic governance as Venezuela seeks a path forward after years of authoritarian rule.