Venezuela at “Threshold of Freedom,” Maria Corina Machado Says, Urges Continued U.S. Support

Washington, Jan 2026 : Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared on Friday that Venezuela has reached the “threshold of freedom,” saying a transition toward democracy has already begun following recent political developments and actions by the United States. Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Machado — a leading opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize laureate — said that the events of January 3, 2026 represent the beginning of a true democratic transition for her troubled nation.

At the press event hosted by the Heritage Foundation, Machado described the moment as historic and said she felt profound optimism about Venezuela’s future. She spoke candidly about the suffering endured by Venezuelans under decades of authoritarian rule, citing repression, economic collapse, and widespread hardship. Machado praised the courage of ordinary citizens who, she said, have risked their lives to demand dignity, justice, and democratic rights. “People determined to be free even without resources, even facing the most cruel tyranny can prevail,” she remarked, underlining her belief in the resilience of her compatriots.

Machado, who has been living in exile, described her presence in the United States as “extraordinary,” given the personal risks she has faced. She said Venezuelans — many of whom have never experienced democracy — have shown remarkable fortitude in their decades-long struggle for freedom. “It’s all about human dignity. It’s all about justice. It’s all about love,” she said, highlighting the toll of the crisis, including political prisoners, exiles, and severe malnutrition that has afflicted a generation of children.

She also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and the American people for their support, calling recent U.S. actions “very encouraging and empowering” for protesters inside Venezuela. Machado said Trump personally conveyed support for the Venezuelan cause during a meeting earlier in the week, a message she called significant for her countrymen. “We are grateful to President Trump… because it took a lot of courage to do what he did,” she said.

While she welcomed U.S. engagement, Machado made clear that the transition she envisions will be led by the Venezuelan people themselves rather than by external military occupation. “This does not require putting boots on the ground,” she said, insisting that Venezuelans are already leading the fight for their own freedom. Instead, she called for targeted measures to weaken the regime’s repressive apparatus and support civil society during the transition.

Despite her confidence, Machado acknowledged the complexity of the current political moment. In recent developments, the U.S. has backed interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, a former vice president under Nicolás Maduro, to manage Venezuela’s immediate governance, a choice that has raised questions about Washington’s priorities and its commitment to democratic reforms. Machado, however, rejected the notion that this signaled a rift between her movement and U.S. policy, focusing instead on her belief in a cohesive national desire for change.

She argued that Venezuela’s transition could unfold in phases, starting with dismantling the structures of repression and moving toward the restoration of basic freedoms, political rights, and eventual free elections. A key part of her vision includes releasing political prisoners and restoring freedom of expression, which she said are essential for a genuine democratic process.

Machado also emphasized that Venezuelans want dignity through work and self-determination, not dependency. She argued that a future democratic Venezuela would be “profoundly pro-America,” aligning with democratic allies in the region and fostering stronger ties with nations that support human rights.

In a forceful conclusion to her remarks, Machado assured that Venezuela’s liberation was imminent and inevitable. “Venezuela is going to be free,” she said, “and that’s going to be achieved with the support of the people of the United States and President Donald Trump.”

Her comments reflect a blend of cautious realism and optimistic resolve as Venezuela stands at a potentially pivotal moment in its history. The path to democratic governance, Machado stressed, will be shaped by the united will of Venezuelans and the measured support of international partners.

Key Points:

• Machado declares Venezuela has entered a democratic transition.
• She praises Venezuelans’ resilience and calls for human dignity and justice.
• Gratitude expressed toward U.S. support, especially from President Trump.
• She calls for targeted international measures, not military intervention.
• Machado believes a stable, pro-America Venezuela will emerge.

The coming months remain critical as political forces inside and outside Venezuela navigate a complex transition with far-reaching regional implications.

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