US Strikes on Venezuela: Who Is Maria Corina Machado? Nobel Peace Prize Winner in Spotlight After Donald Trump Captures Nicolas Maduro

Caracas, January 3: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to the center of the global political stage following the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday, January 3, 2026, that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended during a large-scale military operation and flown out of Venezuela to face criminal charges in New York. The development has turned all eyes toward Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, as the primary figure likely to lead a potential democratic transition.

Who is María Corina Machado?

María Corina Machado, 58, is an industrial engineer and veteran activist who has spent more than two decades challenging Venezuela’s ruling party. She first gained prominence in 2002 as a co-founder of Súmate, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to electoral transparency. In 2010, she was elected to the National Assembly with the highest vote count in the country’s history, though she was later stripped of her seat by the regime. Known as Venezuela's "Iron Lady," Machado has survived years of political bans, physical assaults, and legal persecution, eventually winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights." Donald Trump Says He Watched Nicolas Maduro ‘Capture’ Live, Calls It ‘Like a Television Show’.

From Hiding to the Global Stage

Machado spent much of the last 15 months in hiding within Venezuela to avoid "narco-terrorism" charges fabricated by the Maduro administration. She recently made headlines by surreptitiously escaping the country in December 2025 to travel to Oslo, Norway, to receive her Nobel Prize. The escape reportedly involved a hazardous boat journey to Curaçao before boarding a private plane to Europe. While she has been operating from abroad in recent weeks, her influence on the ground remains formidable. Following Maduro’s capture, her spokespeople declined to provide an immediate comment, though she has previously voiced "absolute" support for the Trump administration’s strategy to remove the regime.

The Power Vacuum in Caracas

The capture of Maduro has created an immediate and volatile power vacuum. Experts suggest that Machado, alongside 2024 election candidate Edmundo González, is the most likely candidate to lead a transitional government. Despite Maduro’s removal, the Venezuelan military and various loyalist groups still hold significant control. Political analysts suggest that while Machado has overwhelming public support, her lack of direct control over the armed forces could lead to a period of instability as the "Chavista" establishment reacts to the capture.

A Supportive Stance on U.S. Intervention

Machado’s relevance to recent developments is tied to her long-standing alliance with Washington. Her rise coincided with a significant escalation in U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, including strikes on vessels and a naval blockade of oil tankers. In recent interviews, Machado defended these moves, arguing that external pressure was necessary to break the regime's grip. Her alignment with the Trump administration’s policy has positioned her as the preferred successor for Western powers, even as some regional neighbors voice concerns over the breach of Venezuelan sovereignty. US Strikes on Venezuela: Donald Trump Says Nicolas Maduro, Wife Cilia Flores Held on US Warship, Face Prosecution in New York.

Custody and Prosecution

The transition of power now moves into a legal phase as the former first couple faces the American justice system. President Trump confirmed the success of the operation, stating that "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held on a U.S. warship and will face prosecution in New York." As Machado prepares for a potential return to Caracas, the focus of the international community shifts to the Southern District of New York, where legal proceedings are expected to begin shortly.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2026 09:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).