US President Donald Trump will host Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Thursday in Washington, a White House official confirmed, amid a continuing political crisis in the South American nation.
The White House official confirmed to The National that the meeting would take place, but did not provide any more details.
The visit comes after US military forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this month, ending his nearly 13-year rule and causing a political and constitutional crisis in the country.
Vice president Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president and has said that she would co-operate with the Trump administration.
Ms Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in opposing authoritarian rule in Venezuela, hailed Mr Maduro's capture and praised Mr Trump for authorising it.
But his decision to back Ms Rodriguez and not her as interim leader has drawn concern among supporters of Venezuela's opposition movement.
Mr Trump said Ms Machado did not have enough backing or respect to lead the country. He has said the US would effectively run Venezuela until a "judicious" transition away from authoritarian rule could be made.
He has also said that his administration would gain greater access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, and wants American companies to invest $100 billion in the industry, to expand its production and reap revenue.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Mr Trump shared a doctored Wikipedia page describing him as the "Acting President" of Venezuela.
The US President has also been outspoken about his displeasure at not having been awarded last year's Nobel Peace Prize.
He often says that he has ended eight wars and has not received the recognition he deserves. Ms Machado has said she would give Mr Trump the prize in recognition for his role in ending the Maduro regime.
But the Nobel Peace Institute rejected the gesture, and stressed that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred, shared or revoked after they are awarded.
Mr Maduro was taken to New York where he and his wife Cilia Flores are facing drug-trafficking and weapons charges.
