Trump Backs Venezuelan 'Freedom Fighters' Machado and Gonzalez After Brief Detention by Maduro Regime

Jan 9, 2025, 10:55 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has voiced strong support for Venezuelan opposition figures Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, emphasizing their roles as 'freedom fighters' who are peacefully expressing the will of the Venezuelan people. Trump's statement comes in the wake of Machado's brief detention by forces loyal to the Maduro regime, which occurred after she participated in a large-scale protest in Caracas against the regime. Machado was subsequently released. Trump's message, posted on Truth Social, highlighted the significant support from the Venezuelan-American community for a free Venezuela and stressed that Machado and Gonzalez should remain unharmed and safe. The opposition in Venezuela, led by Gonzalez, claims victory in the July elections and is set to challenge Maduro's inauguration on January 10.