Overview
- Speaking by video from an undisclosed U.S. location to the Munich Security Conference, María Corina Machado dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump and said the United States risked lives to help remove Nicolás Maduro.
- Machado said her return to Venezuela will be coordinated with the U.S. government and described an organized opposition network prepared for a democratic transition.
- She accused interim president Delcy Rodríguez of ties to the Maduro-era criminal environment while noting partial prisoner releases, citing figures of about 480 freed and more than 800 still jailed.
- Machado reported that opposition ally Juan Pablo Guanipa was detained again this week and is under house arrest with security forces surrounding his home.
- Trump praised Rodríguez, rated U.S.–Venezuela relations a “10,” highlighted oil cooperation, said he plans to visit Venezuela, and prepared to meet U.S. military personnel involved in the January operation that captured Maduro.