Top News Headlines of January 12, 2026 | Trump to meet Venezuela’s opposition leader Machado on Thursday, says White House official

In a significant diplomatic move, former President Donald Trump is set to meet with Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, at the White House this Thursday. This meeting underscores the ongoing complexities in U.S.-Venezuela relations, especially as the U.S. administration has recently refrained from offering explicit support to Machado. Her visit signals a potential shift in diplomatic strategies, aiming to address the political crisis in Venezuela. Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela's opposition, has been a vocal critic of the current Venezuelan government. Her engagement with Trump highlights a renewed focus on human rights and democratic governance in the region. The White House meeting is expected to cover topics such as election integrity, economic sanctions, and humanitarian aid, reflecting the broader geopolitical interests of the United States in Latin America. This development comes at a time when the international community is closely monitoring Venezuela's political landscape. While the U.S. administration remains non-committal in public endorsements, the meeting could pave the way for increased collaboration between U.S. officials and Venezuelan opposition leaders. Observers are keen to see if this encounter will lead to concrete actions or merely serve as a symbolic gesture in the ongoing dialogue between the two nations.

— Authored by Next24 Live