Machado Asserts Claim to Venezuela's Leadership Amid Maduro's Ouster

Thu Jan 08 2026 14:59:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared her readiness to govern following the US-backed removal of Nicolás Maduro, asserting that she has the mandate to lead the country.

In a bold statement, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado proclaimed she should be in charge of Venezuela after the recent ousting of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. Machado's assertion comes amidst skepticism about the newly appointed interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, whom she claims lacks trust and credibility. While Machado expressed gratitude towards US President Trump for his role in Maduro's arrest, he has publicly questioned her capability to lead, citing a lack of support within the country. The political landscape in Venezuela remains tense as the power struggle continues.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has stated she should absolutely be in charge of the country, following the US ousting of President Nicolás Maduro last week.

We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated, Machado said in an interview with the BBC's US partner CBS.

She thanked US President Donald Trump for his leadership and courage after US forces stormed Caracas and arrested Maduro, but expressed doubts about the credibility of the interim leader appointed thereafter.

Despite claiming victory in the heavily disputed 2024 elections with her opposition movement, Machado noted that Trump has refused to back her, citing her lack of popular support.

The former legislator, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, hailed US military action as a major step towards restoring prosperity and rule of law and democracy in Venezuela.

She expressed gratitude to Trump for deposing Maduro, stating, President Trump's leadership and courage has brought Nicolás Maduro to face justice and this is huge. However, Trump publicly dismissed her as a credible successor, suggesting she lacks respect and support within Venezuela.

Machado further criticized the newly appointed interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying, Nobody trusts her. Rodríguez was previously Maduro's vice-president and is accused of being a key figure in repression during the Maduro administration.

Rodríguez, who was sworn in on Monday after US forces apprehended Maduro, dismissed claims of US control over Venezuela, asserting that the Venezuelan government remains sovereign.