Donald Trump will host María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, at the White House on Thursday to discuss the future of Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. The meeting comes after an elite U.S. military team seized Maduro in a pre-dawn raid on Jan. 3, transporting him to a New York City jail, an action that has significantly altered the political landscape of the oil-rich nation.

The decision to host Machado signals a potential shift in U.S. policy, as the White House had largely sidelined her in the immediate aftermath of Maduro's capture. Instead, the U.S. recognized Maduro's former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, as Venezuela's interim leader, a move that drew criticism both within Venezuela and internationally. Trump has maintained that the U.S. will oversee the country's transition.

Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics, has long been a vocal critic of Maduro's socialist regime. Her Nobel Peace Prize recognized her tireless efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela, often at great personal risk. Her supporters had anticipated she would assume a leading role in the country's transition after Maduro's removal.

Adding another layer to the diplomatic complexities, Félix Plasencia, Venezuela's ambassador to the UK and a close ally of Rodríguez, is also scheduled to arrive in Washington on Thursday for meetings. This indicates the U.S. is engaging with multiple factions within the Venezuelan political spectrum.

The situation in Venezuela has been marked by years of political and economic turmoil. Maduro's presidency, characterized by accusations of authoritarianism and economic mismanagement, led to widespread shortages of food and medicine, hyperinflation, and a mass exodus of Venezuelans seeking refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. The United Nations estimates that millions of Venezuelans have fled the country in recent years, creating a regional humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. intervention and subsequent discussions with Machado and Plasencia are unfolding against a backdrop of international concern and scrutiny. Many nations are closely watching to see how the U.S. intends to manage the transition in Venezuela and whether it will pave the way for free and fair elections. The future of Venezuela, and its vast oil reserves, holds significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets.