The Opinions A Venezuelan Economist on What Trump Gets Wrong About Venezuela
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Jan 14, 2026 Francisco Rodríguez, a Venezuelan economist and former chief economist for the Congressional Budget Office, discusses the fragile state of Venezuela's opposition. He examines María Corina Machado's strategy to leverage support from Trump, highlighting the risks of external intervention. Rodríguez critiques the reliance on Trump, suggesting it jeopardizes Machado's future. He warns of the consequences of politicized oil revenues on governance and explores potential outcomes, from democratic transitions to authoritarian control under U.S. influence.
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Opposition Demoralized After Failed Power Shift
- The Venezuelan opposition is demoralized because Maduro's removal did not translate into immediate political power for them.
- Maria Corina Machado's uncompromising strategy and alignment with external intervention deepened divisions and raised doubts about opposition tactics.
Machado's Strategy Increased Dependency On Trump
- Machado built political capital by being uncompromising and appealing to the right of the opposition spectrum.
- Her close courting of Trump and support for intervention has cost her credibility with many national and international actors.
Push For Timely Free Elections
- Do pressure for prompt, free, and fair elections if international backers support Machado.
- Avoid long indefinite delays that would erode Machado's relevance and democratic prospects.