Trump Bursts Bubble On Nobel Prize-Winning Machado’s Vision For Taking Power In Venezuela

President Donald Trump said Saturday he doubted that Nobel laureate María Corina Machado’s wishes for who could succeed deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro could come to pass.

Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that military forces protected a law enforcement operation which arrested Maduro and his wife, Cilia Floris, in Caracas early Saturday morning. Trump said during a subsequent press conference he had not been in touch with her.

WATCH:

“I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader if she doesn’t have the support within, or the respect within the country,” Trump said. “She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect within the— ”

Machado praised the capture of Maduro in a Saturday statement released on X.

“The Hour of Freedom Has Arrived! Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for crimes against Venezuelans and others,” Machado’s statement reads. “The US has enforced the law after his refusal to negotiate an exit.”

“Popular and National Sovereignty now govern. We’ll free political prisoners, build an exceptional country, and bring our children home. We’ve fought hard; it’s worth it,” the statement continues. “Citizens’ hour: President-Elect Edmundo González assumes mandate as Commander in Chief. We’re prepared to enforce it. Stay vigilant for democratic transition for all.”