U.S. President Donald Trump said during an interview on Fox News’ Hannity program that he expects to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington next week. Asked about his plans to meet Machado following U.S. strikes that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Trump said, “Well, I understand she’s coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her.”

New Contact On The Washington–Caracas Line

The White House did not provide additional details about the meeting. The planned encounter will be Trump’s first meeting with Machado. Machado had previously said she had not spoken with Trump since she won the Nobel Peace Prize in October.

Trump’s stance toward Machado has fluctuated in recent days. Over the weekend, Trump said he was not inclined to work with her, stating that “she doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.”

“The Country Must Be Rebuilt First”

Trump also commented on Venezuela’s political future during the Fox News interview. Referring to the country’s current leadership under interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Trump argued that elections are not feasible in the near term.

“We have to rebuild the country. They couldn’t have an election,” Trump said. “They wouldn’t even know how to have an election right now.”

Oil Sector To Play A Key Role

Trump highlighted that Venezuela, an OPEC member, is one of the world’s largest oil producers and said its energy sector is a central focus of his administration. According to a senior U.S. official cited by Reuters, oil sales from Venezuela to the United States will begin immediately, with an initial shipment of approximately 30 million to 50 million barrels. The shipments are expected to continue indefinitely.

Trump also said he will meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday, adding that U.S. oil companies will play a critical role in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.

“At Least $100 Billion In Investment”

Trump said U.S. energy companies are expected to invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela, adding, “They’re going to rebuild the whole oil infrastructure. They’re going to spend at least $100 billion, and it’s an unbelievable oil that they have, an unbelievable quality of oil and amount of oil.”

The planned meeting with Machado is seen as a significant development for Venezuela’s political transition, the restructuring of its energy sector, and the country’s future governance.

Cartels and regional security

Trump also broadened his remarks to regional security, signaling an escalation against drug trafficking networks.

“We are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels,” Trump said. “The cartels are running Mexico. It’s very sad to watch what happened to that country.”

The comments underline a widening U.S. focus on energy control, political transition, and security enforcement across Venezuela and the broader region, as Washington reshapes its approach following the collapse of Maduro’s government.