Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home soon following the U.S. removal of President Nicolás Maduro. Machado told Fox News she wants to help dismantle what she calls the criminal structures left behind by the Maduro government. President Trump downplayed her role, saying the U.S. does not plan to help install her in power and questioning her level of support inside Venezuela.
She and many other leaders are demanding that following the arrest of Maduro and the foreseen demise of his regime, that Venezuela proceed with the release of Venezuelan citizens and journalists wrongfully being held in prisons.
Venezuela has a new leader today. Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president, was sworn in as head of state Monday following the U.S. capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro to face criminal charges in New York. Rodriguez, an ally of Maduro, condemned the U.S. military action and referred to Maduro and his wife as heroes being held hostage. President Trump has said the administration will work with Rodriguez for now, provided she meets U.S. demands.
Venezuela's deposed president is fighting the charges in a New York courtroom. Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty at his Manhattan arraignment, calling himself a "prisoner of war" and insisting he was kidnapped and is still Venezuela's president. Maduro, his wife, and his adult son all deny sweeping narco-terrorism, drug, and weapons charges, with their next court date set for March 17th.