Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with former President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday to discuss the future of Venezuela, but did not respond to reporters' questions regarding whether she gifted her Nobel Prize to Trump. The meeting occurred despite Trump's past expressions of doubt regarding Machado's credibility to assume leadership in Venezuela following a U.S. military operation that captured then-President Nicolás Maduro.

Machado's visit to Trump carried potential risks, as her location had been largely undisclosed since she left Venezuela last year after a brief detention in Caracas. Following a private discussion with Trump, Machado greeted supporters near the White House gates, telling them, "We can count on President Trump." Supporters briefly chanted, "Thank you, Trump," but Machado did not provide further details about the meeting.

The scene contrasted with Trump's previous statements questioning Machado and his commitment to democratic governance in Venezuela. Trump has previously indicated a willingness to collaborate with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro's second-in-command. Rodríguez and other members of Maduro's inner circle continue to manage day-to-day government operations.

The circumstances surrounding Maduro's removal and the subsequent political landscape in Venezuela remain complex. Trump's shifting stance on Venezuelan leadership has raised questions about U.S. policy and its commitment to democratic principles in the region. The lack of clarity from Machado regarding the details of her discussion with Trump further complicates the situation.

The current status of Venezuelan leadership remains contested, with Rodríguez leading day-to-day operations while Machado seeks international support. Future developments will likely depend on ongoing negotiations, international pressure, and the internal dynamics within Venezuela's political factions.