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Machado, María Corina

US Funding of Venezuelan Opposition Groups Revealed Amid Growing Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, has disclosed her close relationship with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration, while news reports reveal that the US has spent millions of dollars funding Venezuelan opposition groups. Despite the formal disbanding of USAID in February 2025, the Trump administration has quietly rerouted $400 million toward initiatives against left-leaning governments in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Machado's relationship with Rubio and the Trump administration has raised concerns about US involvement in Venezuelan politics, amidst reports of potential military strikes against the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US spent $18 million in 2024 funding Venezuelan opposition groups as part of a broader $213 million campaign over five years.
  • Despite the formal disbanding of USAID in February 2025, the Trump administration has quietly rerouted $400 million toward initiatives against left-leaning governments in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
  • María Corina Machado has close relationship with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration, citing him as one of those who "best understand the threats posed from our region."
  • Machado emphasizes that her situation in Venezuela is one of "national and hemispanic security," highlighting the strategic importance of global support for her efforts against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
  • The US is reportedly planning to launch strikes against Venezuela, with the Miami Herald citing sources that "these strikes could come at any moment."
  • President Donald Trump denies reports of imminent strikes, stating that he has not made a final decision on military action.

Statistics:

  • $18 million: The amount spent by the US in 2024 funding Venezuelan opposition groups.
  • $213 million: The total amount spent by the US on a five-year campaign supporting Venezuelan opposition groups.
  • $400 million: The amount rerouted by the Trump administration toward initiatives against left-leaning governments in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, despite the formal disbanding of USAID in February 2025.

Sources:

  • Drop Site News
  • Miami Herald
  • Press TV

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