venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Calls Maduro Regime a ‘Criminal Structure,’ Praises Trump’s Role
WASHINGTON – María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader recently awarded the Nobel peace Prize, described her country as being in “chaos” under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, alleging his goverment operates as a drug cartel and poses a threat to regional and U.S. security.
Speaking to NPR, Machado echoed accusations that Maduro manipulated the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election to remain in power. She asserted maduro’s leadership has led to economic collapse, suppression of free speech, and corruption within Venezuela.
Machado directly linked Maduro to international hostility towards Venezuela, stating, “[The cartel] are destabilizing, intentionally, the region and undermining the institutions in the united States, as they have turned Venezuela into the safe haven of the enemies of the United States - Iran, China, Russia, Hezbollah, Hamas, and others.” She characterized this as “a war that was declared by Maduro, not us.”
The Trump administration previously accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and authorized military actions against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The U.S. State Department currently offers a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction.
Machado declined to comment on the possibility of a U.S. military invasion of Venezuela but described former President Trump as a “valuable ally” in recognizing the threat Maduro presents. She dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to both the Venezuelan people and trump, citing his efforts to resolve global conflicts and address issues in the Americas.
“You cannot have peace without freedom,and you cannot have freedom without strength,” Machado stated. She emphasized the need to end impunity for the Maduro regime, citing imprisonment, torture, and killings of political opponents. Machado also expressed hope that Maduro’s removal would pave the way for democratic transitions in Cuba and Nicaragua.
