Venezuela at a Crossroads: Two Women, One Nation, and the Battle for Trump’s Favor

As Venezuela grapples with economic collapse and political upheaval, a high-stakes battle has emerged between two powerful female leaders, each vying to shape the nation’s future — and win the favor of former US President Donald Trump.

On one side is María Corina Machado, the opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, celebrated internationally for her fight for democracy and human rights. Machado has largely stayed out of the public eye since Venezuela’s controversial 2024 election, where government-controlled authorities declared Nicolás Maduro the winner. Maduro was ousted and captured by US special forces in a high-profile raid just two weeks ago.

Machado now faces the challenge of asserting her leadership in a nation still reeling from political instability, while courting Trump — whose approval could tip the balance of power.

Opposite her stands Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, now acting president. A loyalist to the Maduro regime, Rodriguez must navigate the delicate path of consolidating authority at home while maintaining US support amid Trump’s unpredictable stance on Venezuela.

At the heart of the power struggle is Trump himself, whose raid in Caracas signaled America’s direct involvement in the country’s leadership. While he has paused further military action, his presence and statements continue to influence Venezuela’s political trajectory. Trump recently highlighted plans to target drug cartels on land after months of maritime strikes and maintains a formidable military presence in the Caribbean.

Trump’s Influence: Praise, Threats, and Political Chess

Trump has publicly praised Rodriguez, describing her as a “terrific person,” while Machado has not yet received his endorsement despite strong backing from some US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Machado is set to meet Trump in person on Thursday at the White House — a meeting that could dramatically shift her political prospects.

Winning the Nobel Prize, however, may complicate Machado’s appeal. While she was nominated and supported by prominent US figures, Trump has publicly expressed envy over her award, framing it as a potential stumbling block in her quest for his favor. Machado has attempted to navigate this by dedicating her prize, in part, to Trump, but the Norwegian Nobel Institute has confirmed the award cannot be transferred.

Thursday’s White House lunch may be Machado’s most significant opportunity yet to influence the US president and consolidate support for her vision of Venezuela’s future. Analysts caution that even brief interactions with Trump can dramatically reshape political calculations, as seen in past meetings with world leaders.

As Venezuela stands at this uncertain crossroads, the outcome of this duel between two ambitious women — framed by the shadow of US intervention — could determine not only the country’s leadership but its path toward stability or further turmoil.