US President Donald Trump said he will meet Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week in Washington. The POTUS had previously dubbed her a “very nice woman” but refused to support her campaign to lead the South American nation following the US captured Nicolas Maduro.
Machado had earlier this week offered to give Trump the Nobel Peace Prize she was awarded last year. However, media reports quoting White House sources added that he had considered her earlier acceptance of the award as the “ultimate sin”.
“I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her,” the President said during an interview with Fox News.
Machado has been effusive in her support for Trump — dedicating her win to him in 2025. She had also supported his campaign to tackle Venezuelan drug boats and overthrow Maduro.
Trump ‘cancels’ second wave of attacks against Venezuela
The US President claimed on Friday that he had cancelled a second wave of attacks against Venezuela — explaining that the South American nation was releasing many political prisoners to “seek peace”.
“This is a very important and smart gesture. The US and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure. Because of this cooperation, I have canceled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purpose,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
US forces intercept yet another sanctioned oil tanker
US forces boarded another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Friday, as the Trump administration continues to target sanctioned tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. The pre-dawn action was carried out by US Marines and Navy, taking part in the monthslong buildup of forces in the Caribbean. The US Southern Command declared “there is no safe haven for criminals” as it announced the seizure of the vessel called the Olina.