By Admin 
US President Donald Trump met Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday. During this, Machado presented his Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump. The White House confirmed the meeting, but also made it clear that this should not be considered a major change in Trump’s stance.
What did the White House say
White House press secretary Carolyn Levitt described Machado as a “brave and strong voice” for the Venezuelan people. He said that President Trump was positive about this meeting. However, when asked if Trump now considered Machado the leader of Venezuela, Leavitt said the president still held the same opinion. According to him, Trump believes that in the current situation, Machado does not have enough support within the country.
Trump’s stance on elections
Levitt said that President Trump wants fair elections to be held in Venezuela in the future. But he did not tell when these elections could be held. After the meeting, Machado told the media that he had given the Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump. He described it as ‘recognition of his special support for our freedom’.
meeting supporters
After leaving the White House, Machado met his supporters standing outside. He said, ‘We can trust President Trump.’ On this the supporters raised slogans of ‘Thank You Trump’.
The atmosphere changed after Maduro’s arrest
This meeting took place at a time when two weeks ago the US Army had captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas and sent them to New York. Both are accused of drug smuggling. Machado’s coalition claims to have won the 2024 presidential election, but Maduro has refused to accept the results.
Trump’s contradictory stance
Although Trump met Machado, he has previously raised questions about his leadership abilities. Trump has also indicated that he is willing to work with current acting President Delsey Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been a former Vice President and is currently looking after the day-to-day work of the government.
US–Venezuela relations
America is currently increasing pressure on Venezuela’s oil sector. Recently a banned oil tanker was seized. American officials say that Rodriguez’s interim government is cooperating with the US. Under this, five American citizens were released this week.
Conversation between Trump and Rodriguez
Trump said on Wednesday that he had a long conversation with Rodriguez. He said, ‘We talked about many issues and I think the relations between America and Venezuela are going in the right direction.’