Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and recent recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, is poised to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. This high-profile meeting coincides with a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s political landscape, following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro, and suggests a potential shift towards a new leadership.
In the wake of these developments, Trump has made a notable declaration that the U.S. will govern Venezuela until a stable leadership is formed. This statement has introduced a layer of uncertainty regarding the future trajectory of the country, sparking debates about international involvement in Venezuelan affairs.
According to prediction market data from Kalshi, Machado stands at a 28% chance of becoming Venezuela’s leader by the close of 2026. Despite her significant political background, she currently lags slightly behind Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a candidate representing the Unitary Platform, who sits at 32%. Meanwhile, the acting president, Delcy Eloina Rodriguez, who took on this role after Maduro’s detention, trails closely at 27%.
Machado’s advocacy for bitcoin has garnered attention as well. She asserts that cryptocurrency has provided a vital lifeline for Venezuelans during a period of devastating hyperinflation and economic collapse, with the bolivar losing over 99.99% of its purchasing power since Maduro’s presidency began in 2013. In discussions with Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, she emphasized bitcoin’s dual role as both a means of wealth preservation and a tool for financing escapes from the dire economic conditions in Venezuela. She noted, “Venezuelans found a lifeline in Bitcoin during hyperinflation, using it to protect their wealth and to finance their escape.”
Despite her strong stance on these issues, Trump has openly questioned Machado’s domestic support, expressing skepticism about her ability to unify the country. He remarked, “I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.” This comment reflects the significant political challenges that Machado faces, particularly in light of her recent banning from running against Maduro in the anticipated 2025 elections, as mandated by Venezuela’s Supreme Court.
As Venezuela navigates this crucial transition period, the outcome of Machado’s meeting with Trump and the evolving political dynamics will likely play a critical role in shaping the nation’s future.
