Machado says Venezuela’s interim president was ‘one of the main architects’ of Maduro’s oppressive regime: ‘No one trusts him’

Maria Corina Machadothe leader of Venezuela’s opposition party, the interim president said Delcy Rodriguez was “one of the main architects” of Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive regime in Venezuela.

“Everyone in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly well who she is and the role she played” in the country’s oppressive regime, Machado said in an interview with Tony Dokoupil that aired Tuesday night on “CBS Evening News.”

Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president, was sworn in Monday as interim president following Maduro’s appointment. captured and taken to the United States. The Venezuelan army has expressed their support for Rodríguez, 56 years old.

Machado, who has been hiding since Venezuela Contested 2024 electionemerging only at claim the Nobel Peace Prize in December, he criticized those who believe Rodríguez should lead the country. She described Rodríguez as one of the architects of Maduro’s brutal regime and the leader of Venezuela’s torture sites. Roger Carstens, former hostage negotiator says “60 Minutes” that the Maduro regime had detained and tortured Americans arrested in Venezuela for minor crimes.

Rodriguez was sanctioned during Mr. Trump’s first term for his role in helping the Maduro regime “maintain power and consolidate its authoritarian rule.” She has not been charged with any criminal charges in the United States for his role in Maduro’s government.

Machado said she believed the United States had “asked (Rodríguez) to take certain steps regarding the continued dismantling of the criminal structure as a path toward a full transition to democracy in Venezuela.” But Machado said “no one trusts her,” which could complicate her new role as the country’s president.

Machado claimed that Rodríguez had been “the main link” in communications with Russia and Iran as well as “other countries that have…criminal activities” in Venezuela. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Machado said she still has faith in the Venezuelan people.

Watch more of María Corina Machado’s interview with Tony Dokoupil on tonight’s “CBS Evening News” at 6:30 p.m. ET.