Overview
- After meetings in Washington, María Corina Machado said Delcy Rodríguez is not trustworthy and described the Maduro-era apparatus as a criminal system responsible for mass repression and a vast exodus.
- At a Caracas ceremony, Rodríguez told opposition figures who would harm Venezuela to stay in Washington, sharpening a public split with Machado.
- Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello declared absolute loyalty on behalf of the armed forces and police, publicly reinforcing Rodríguez’s control.
- President Donald Trump met Machado and said he would very much welcome her involvement, while also signaling willingness to work with Rodríguez if her government follows Washington’s terms.
- Rodríguez’s team has pursued rapprochement with the United States by backing foreign investment in the oil sector, announcing talks with the opposition, and releasing political prisoners, following Maduro’s capture and transfer to New York earlier this month.