Venezuela's opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Machado has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for the military operation in the country that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
In a social media post, Machado declared that the "hour of freedom" has arrived for her nation.
"Venezuelans, the hour of freedom has arrived. It's TIME FOR FREEDOM! Starting today, Nicolás Maduro will face international justice for the heinous crimes he has committed against Venezuelans and citizens of many other nations. Given his refusal to accept a negotiated solution, the U.S. government has fulfilled its promise to enforce the law," she wrote on X.
Venezolanos, llegó la hora de la libertad. pic.twitter.com/ehy20V1xm9
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) January 3, 2026
Machado further stated that the time has come for popular sovereignty and national sovereignty to reign in her country.
"We are going to bring order, free political prisoners, build an exceptional country, and bring our children back home," she added.
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Machado is currently abroad in an undisclosed location after traveling under cover to Oslo in December to receive her Nobel Prize, which she dedicated to Trump as she welcomed U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Her statement came hours after the U.S. carried out a large-scale strike on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The U.S. action has triggered political uncertainty in the South American country, with many leading powers, including Russia and China, condemning Washington's operation.
