Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed gratitude to the administration of former US President Donald Trump for what she described as opening the “floodgate to freedom” following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. Speaking at a press conference in Caracas on Thursday after returning from a 10-month exile, Machado credited Trump, his team, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their role in advancing the opposition cause.

Machado specifically referenced events on January 3, when Maduro was detained, as a turning point that she said marked the beginning of increased efforts to restore democratic governance in Venezuela. The opposition figure framed the Trump administration’s actions as pivotal in challenging Maduro’s rule and acknowledged what she characterized as their vision and courage.

However, Machado voiced reservations regarding a recent oil agreement between the United States and Venezuela. The deal, which involves Venezuela transferring 20 percent of its oil reserves to the US, was criticized by Machado for lacking the transparency she said Venezuelan society demands. She indicated that the arrangement did not meet the expectations of accountability and openness sought by the country’s citizens.

The oil deal represents an unusual cooperation between Caracas and Washington amid years of political tension and economic sanctions. While the opposition has welcomed certain US interventions against Maduro, this particular agreement has drawn concern within opposition circles due to the implications it may have for Venezuelan resources.

The situation remains complex as Venezuela navigates internal political shifts and seeks economic solutions. Machado’s return to Caracas and her statements underscore ongoing divisions within the country regarding both domestic governance and foreign involvement.