STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubt on Saturday (January 3) as to whether Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, can run that country, saying she does not have the support or respect of the people.

Trump said on Saturday he was putting Venezuela under temporary American control after the United States captured President Nicolas Maduro in an audacious raid and whisked him to New York to face drug-trafficking charges.

Trump said the U.S. has not been in contact with Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year and dedicated it, in part, to Trump.

"She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country," he said.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 3, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL - Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

REPORTER: "Are you aware of the location of opposition leader Machado and have you been in contact with her?"

TRUMP: "No, we aren't."

(REPORTER CROSSTALK)

TRUMP: "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect."