Machado Backers Intensify Push for Trump’s Endorsement As U.S. Weighs Venezuela’s Future

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado have stepped up lobbying efforts to win an endorsement from President Donald Trump after he publicly questioned her domestic standing.

Allies Renew Outreach To The White House

Many of Machado’s pro-Trump allies were surprised when the president suggested she lacked the internal “support” or “respect” needed to lead Venezuela. Lawmakers who had cultivated ties to the president’s circle say they are redoubling outreach to change his view.

“We have a different assessment of her capabilities, that’s all,” Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) said of himself and fellow Florida Republicans Mario Díaz-Balart and María Salazar. “And it’s just now a matter of convincing the president of her capabilities.”

Giménez added that he did not know of anyone on the Hill who was not advocating for Machado and described her as eager to return to Venezuela. Some supporters have praised her courage and petitioned the administration to reconsider its stance.

Machado’s Strategy: Reassurance And Flattery

After Trump publicly questioned her standing, Machado adopted a conciliatory approach that has worked with the president before: she has lavished praise on him, thanked him for actions against Nicolás Maduro, and signaled a prompt return to Venezuela.

A source close to Machado told Semafor she “absolutely” plans to return soon and is “in this for the long term.” The source added: “If a free and fair election were held next week, she’d win in a landslide.”

Note on an Inaccurate Claim: Some supporters cited a Nobel Peace Prize in praise of Machado. Machado has not been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize; that claim appears to be incorrect.

White House Response And Political Calculus

The White House has not ruled out supporting Machado in the future but emphasizes that elections should occur “at the right time” after the administration’s immediate priorities of stabilizing and rebuilding Venezuela. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president and his national security team are focused on ensuring Venezuela aligns with U.S. interests and becomes a better country for Venezuelans.

Some congressional Republicans say Trump’s initial remarks do not preclude Machado as a long-term partner once credible elections are possible. “It’s going to take time,” Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) said, adding that the U.S. currently has leverage as the transition proceeds.

Barriers To Her Return

U.S. intelligence reportedly warned that Venezuela’s opposition might not be ready to govern immediately, and that overt backing of Machado could risk further destabilization. Internal disagreements in Washington have also complicated support—The New York Times reported that former special envoy Ric Grenell grew frustrated by Machado’s reluctance to provide a list of political prisoners, a dispute that contributed to internal friction over policy toward Venezuela.

Some Republicans say Machado may be a long-term contender but face practical barriers now: she is not in control on the ground, and key Venezuelan figures such as interim leader Delcy Rodríguez (Maduro’s former No. 2) remain politically relevant.

Looking Ahead

For lawmakers, the decisive factor remains whether Venezuela can hold credible elections. Questions about the military’s willingness to allow voting and the country’s near-term stability mean any timeline is uncertain. In the meantime, Machado’s allies continue to press the White House, seeking to turn skepticism into endorsement.

Machado’s team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.