On January 3, 2025, Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, declared that the 'hour of freedom' had arrived for Venezuela following a U.S. military strike targeting the government of Nicolás Maduro. Machado, who has remained largely in hiding since Maduro's controversial reelection in July 2024, urged that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition's candidate whom they claim won the election, should assume the presidency immediately. She emphasized the need for Venezuelans to organize for a democratic transition and called for Gonzalez Urrutia to be recognized as the Commander in Chief of the National Armed Forces.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Machado's leadership potential, suggesting she lacks support within Venezuela. He indicated a willingness to engage with Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who he claimed is open to reforms. Machado's alignment with U.S. interventionist policies has drawn criticism, despite her recognition for advocating a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, stating that Gonzalez Urrutia should lead a peaceful transition in Venezuela, reflecting broader international discussions about the country's political future amid U.S. involvement.

In a significant geopolitical shift, Trump announced that the United States would oversee Venezuela until a stable transition could be established. This move grants the U.S. effective control over Venezuela's vast oil reserves, valued at approximately $17.3 trillion, and positions the U.S. to mitigate reliance on foreign energy sources. The U.S. aims to stabilize Venezuelan production as a strategic buffer against potential disruptions in global oil transport, particularly concerning tensions with Iran.

However, this strategy raises concerns about the implications of U.S. control over a sovereign nation's resources, with potential for regional backlash and prolonged conflict. The UK government expressed uncertainty regarding the legality of U.S. actions, emphasizing the need for a transition that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. UK Labour leader Keir Starmer called for a direct conversation with Trump to assess the situation further.

China, a longstanding ally of Venezuela, criticized the U.S. actions as hegemonic and a violation of international law, calling for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. While China has historically supported Venezuela economically, analysts suggest its response may remain largely rhetorical, lacking concrete military support due to its focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Elliott Abrams, a former U.S. envoy for Venezuela, raised concerns about the feasibility of the U.S. 'running' Venezuela, suggesting that the idea originated solely from Trump and lacked a coordinated strategy. He advocated for supporting democratic elections rather than direct intervention, emphasizing the importance of a popular government and financial assistance for a successful transition.

As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to grapple with the implications of U.S. actions in Venezuela, which may signal a shift towards a more aggressive approach in global resource management.