Despite Machado’s Praise, Trump Says "Not Fit to Lead"... Mixed Interpretations Over Nobel Aftermath

In contrast to Machado's praise for Trump, his response remains cold
Trump draws a line against early elections despite opposition hopes
Analysts suggest Trump's personal feelings played a major role

The political situation in Venezuela has entered a new phase of turmoil following the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. In particular, Venezuela’s opposition, which had welcomed U.S. intervention, is now struggling to hide its embarrassment after U.S. President Donald Trump declined to support opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Korea Mariya, Nobel Peace Prize laureate last year. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the 6th (local time), Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, praised President Trump in an interview with Fox News, stating, "If a free and fair election were held, I would win with over 90% of the vote," and called for early elections. She pledged to rebuild Venezuela as an energy powerhouse and become a key ally of the United States, and also expressed her desire to share her Nobel Peace Prize with President Trump.

In contrast to Machado’s favorable response, President Trump’s reaction was cold. He downplayed her chances, saying, "It will be very difficult for Machado to become a leader," and assessed that she lacks sufficient support and respect within Venezuela. He also drew a clear line regarding the possibility of early elections, stating, "This is not a situation where an election can be held immediately."

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has effectively recognized Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president and a key figure in the Maduro regime, as acting president. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is reported to have submitted a classified report stating that allowing remnants of the Maduro regime to lead a transitional government is the most realistic way to maintain short-term stability. The CIA is said to have concluded that neither Machado nor Edmundo Gonzalez, the former opposition presidential candidate, would be able to effectively manage the political situation.

AP Yonhap News

However, this choice has sparked strong criticism. John Bolton, former White House National Security Advisor, said, "The United States has thrown the Venezuelan opposition under the bus," and pointed out that cooperating with figures who were previously sanctioned is a significant strategic mistake. Experts also assess that excluding Machado, a symbol of democratization, could undermine the legitimacy of U.S. military intervention.

Some analysts suggest that President Trump’s personal feelings played a significant role in this political decision. The Washington Post and Time magazine mentioned that Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize win may have fueled President Trump’s discontent, which, in turn, clouded his strategic judgment. When Machado was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, President Trump had publicly expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that he himself deserved the award.

Within Venezuela’s opposition, some voices still express hope for additional measures from the United States, but experts diagnose that "deep disappointment prevails." Amid criticism that the Trump administration is prioritizing short-term stability and control of the oil industry over democratization, Venezuela’s future political schedule remains uncertain.