Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for a new order to take place in the country following the U.S. operation that ended with the capture of authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro.
In a statement released on Saturday, Machado said the Trump administration has "fulfilled its promise to uphold the law."
"It is time for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to rule in our country. We will restore order, release political prisoners, build an exceptional country and bring our sons back home," Machado claimed.
Venezolanos, llegó la hora de la libertad. pic.twitter.com/ehy20V1xm9
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) January 3, 2026
She went on to say that "what had to happen is happening" and Edmundo Gonzalez, her candidate in the 2024 elections in which the regime claimed victory without showing the supporting documentation, must "immediately assume his constitutional mandate and be recognized as Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Force by all officers and soldiers that are part of it."
"Today we're ready to uphold our mandate and take power. Let's remain vigilant, active and organized until the Democratic Transition takes place," she added.
Maduro was captured early on Saturday along with his wife, Cilia Flores. He is currently aboard a U.S. warship heading to New York where he will face charges.
Trump posted an image of Maduro aboard the warship, showing him with his eyes and ears covered. He also appears to be in handcuffs while holding a bottle of water.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said his administration is deciding what steps to take next with regards to the country. "We're making that decision now. We can't take a change on letting somebody else run it, just take over where he left off. So we're making that decision now," he said.
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