Machado, opposition leader in Venezuela, holds a press conference in the United States on the 16th (local time). [Washington AP=Yonhap News]

Maria Corina Machado, a key opposition leader in Venezuela and a recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, expressed strong confidence in Venezuela's democratic transition and presidential election following her meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

At a press conference hosted by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C. on the 16th (local time), Machado stated, "We are preparing to take over the government when the time is right," and "We will take all necessary measures as a legitimate government."

During the press conference, which was broadcast live on major U.S. networks, Machado said, "This is the message I conveyed in my meeting with U.S. President (Donald Trump)," emphasizing, "A transfer of power must occur as soon as possible so that the Venezuelan people can return to their homeland."

Although Machado secured an overwhelming victory with over 90% of the votes in the primary election for the democratic opposition's presidential candidate one year before the July 2024 general election, she was unable to register as a candidate due to the Maduro government's accusations of involvement in corruption and a comptroller's office ruling barring her from public office for 15 years. As a result, she nominated Edmundo González, a former diplomat, as a proxy presidential candidate.

González, described as having a "quiet personality that enjoys raising chickens," frequently appeared behind Machado during election rallies, a scene that was also captured multiple times in videos by the Venezuelan democratic opposition on Facebook. Foreign media have evaluated that the support for González largely stems from Machado, the "Iron Lady of Venezuela."

Machado surrounded by supporters on the 15th (local time). [Washington EPA=Yonhap News]

Machado, who received last year's Nobel Peace Prize for her role in leading Venezuela's democratization, personally presented her peace prize medal to President Trump during their meeting at the White House the previous day. She conveyed a message of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people for President Trump's principled and decisive actions in achieving a free Venezuela.

In an interview with the U.S. TV network Fox News, broadcast on the same day, Machado recalled, "He deserves to receive (the Nobel Peace Prize), and (the medal presentation) was a very moving moment." She added, "I delivered it responsibly on behalf of the Venezuelan people, who deeply appreciate his achievements not only for Venezuela but for all continents."

In the same broadcast, she reiterated, "I believe that when the time is right, I will be elected as the President of Venezuela, the first female president, through fair elections," expressing her desire to serve her country in a more impactful role.

Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, arrives at the National Assembly to deliver her state of the union address on the 15th (local time). [Caracas Reuters=Yonhap News]

Machado's remarks about her presidential aspirations on this day appear to be adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of Venezuela, which has been in a political fog since the Maduro crisis.

Until recently, President Trump had expressed skepticism about Machado, stating, "She is a great woman, but she lacks domestic support."

Currently, the United States recognizes Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president, as the transitional leader of Venezuela.

Rodríguez announced reforms the previous day to promote foreign investment in the oil development sector, a measure that the Trump administration has been demanding from Venezuela, a nation rich in oil.

Regarding Rodríguez's recent actions, categorized as one of Maduro's closest associates, Machado stated, "She is not acting based on her free will but is following instructions," implying that the interim president of Venezuela is in continuous communication with U.S. authorities.