Machado claims right to lead Venezuela after Maduro ousted

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she should “absolutely” be in charge of the country following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.

We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated.

María Corina Machado said.

Machado thanked US President Donald Trump for his “leadership and courage” after US forces arrested Maduro in Caracas.

She said the opposition does not trust the interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime ally of the former president.

Machado’s movement claimed victory in Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election, though Trump has declined to endorse her leadership.

The opposition leader described the US military intervention as a step towards restoring democracy and rule of law.

President Trump’s leadership and courage has brought Nicolás Maduro to face justice and this is huge.

María Corina Machado said.

Trump has publicly questioned Machado’s credibility, saying she lacks sufficient support inside Venezuela.

She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.

Donald Trump said.

Machado accused Rodríguez of being a key figure behind repression in Venezuela.

Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played.

María Corina Machado said.

Rodríguez rejected claims of US control, insisting Venezuela remains governed by its own authorities.