Politico: U.S. Unhappy With Maria Machado's Attempts To Be 'the Only Star'
- 8.02.2026, 18:20
Washington has grown frustrated with Venezuela's opposition leader.
Statements by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado that the country's elections will be held in less than a year have displeased and irritated advisers to the administration of US President Donald Trump. This was shared anonymously with Politico by the advisers themselves in the White House.
"Maria Corina Machado is just trying to bring it all down ... she's an egomaniac," the source told the publication, sharing that the Venezuelan politician is making a "solo star" of herself, thereby undermining Trump's success in freeing political prisoners and joint U.S.-Venezuelan law enforcement operations.
Another source of the publication close to the White House criticized Machado's words about the election timeline, calling a two-year timeframe "realistic." He added that Machado should not express his opinion on the time frame at all.
The politician's words about the elections were taken by the White House as an attempt to stay relevant during the country's transition period, the adviser explained.
After Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. units and taken to a New York court, all power in the country passed to Delcy Rodriguez. The interim leader of the Bolivarian Republic reorganized the country's government to consolidate power, released political prisoners, and began direct diplomatic contacts with the U.S.
The U.S. diplomatic representative, who had been absent from the country for about seven years after diplomatic relations broke down, returned to Caracas.
American officials have given Rodriguez the role of the main man in Venezuela. Although Donald Trump said he respects the Venezuelan opposition leader after she handed him a medal from the Nobel Peace Prize, he said Machado lacks the skills to lead the country.
Trump noted that the U.S. is working with Rodriguez to ensure that Venezuela does not turn into Iraq. He reminded reporters that the "Islamic State" formed on Iraqi territory after Saddam Hussein was overthrown.