María Corina Machado called January 3 “the day justice defeated tyranny” after U.S. forces reportedly captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transported them to New York to face narco‑terrorism charges. Machado described the operation as historic and outlined a three-part plan for a post‑Maduro Venezuela focused on security, energy-sector recovery, and repatriation of migrants. She also recalled winning a banned opposition primary and said she had previously dedicated a Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump. Machado expressed gratitude to the U.S. and optimism about Venezuela’s democratic transition.
“The Day Justice Defeated Tyranny”: María Corina Machado Praises U.S. Capture Of Nicolás Maduro
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado waves a national flag during a protest called by the opposition on the eve of the presidential inauguration, in Caracas on January 9, 2025.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared January 3 “the day justice defeated tyranny” after the Trump administration said U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following large-scale military strikes against the Venezuelan government.
The White House said the couple is being held in New York pending narco-terrorism charges. Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity program, Machado called the operation a historic milestone for Venezuela and a victory for freedom and human dignity worldwide.
“January 3 will go down in history as the day justice defeated tyranny. It’s a milestone, and it’s not only huge for the Venezuelan people and our future — I think it’s a huge step for humanity, for freedom, and human dignity,” Machado said.
Machado Outlines Vision For Post‑Maduro Venezuela
Machado — increasingly discussed as a potential successor after Maduro’s removal — described a three-part plan for rebuilding the country:
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado addresses a press conference on December 11, 2025, at the Norwegian government's representative facilities in Oslo.
- Security Partnership: Dismantle criminal networks operating in the region and make Venezuela a reliable security partner for the Americas.
- Economic Rebound: Restore Venezuela as an energy hub by reestablishing the rule of law, opening markets, and attracting foreign investment.
- Repatriation and Reconstruction: Encourage the return of millions of displaced Venezuelans to help rebuild a prosperous, open society and a strong U.S. ally in Latin America.
Background: The Opposition Primary
Machado recounted her experience in the opposition primary, saying she won overwhelmingly but was barred from running by the Maduro government. Civil-society-organized primary voting produced a decisive result, and Edmundo González Urrutia ultimately stood in her place on the ballot.
“It was a miracle. Everybody told us it was impossible to carry independent elections in a primary process, and we were able to bring the country together… He feared me, Maduro. He thought that by banning me he would stop us from winning, but the opposite happened,” Machado said, praising the grassroots turnout that she said defeated Maduro by a landslide under difficult conditions.
Recognition And Reactions
The article reports that Machado has received international recognition for her activism and that she previously dedicated a Nobel Peace Prize award to former President Donald Trump. On Monday she defended that dedication and praised the U.S. action that led to Maduro’s arrest.
“On behalf of the Venezuelan people, we are grateful for this courageous vision and the historical actions taken to begin dismantling this narco‑terrorist regime and bring Maduro to justice,” Machado said. “Thirty million Venezuelans are now closer to freedom, and the United States is safer today.”
Machado’s comments highlight both the deep divisions inside Venezuela and the hopes of opposition leaders for a rapid political and economic transition. The situation remains fluid as legal and diplomatic processes unfold in the coming days.
