Following a White House meeting with President Biden, Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who claims victory in the July presidential election, journeyed to Argentina and Panama with ballots as evidence against Nicolás Maduro's claim to leadership. María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, affirmed to Fox News, "We secured a resounding victory for a capable leader, Edmundo Gonzalez. We possess the evidence, and it's globally acknowledged. We won."

With Maduro's inauguration scheduled for Friday, the Venezuelan opposition is mobilizing for peaceful mass protests, challenging Maduro's continued rule, which they blame for the nation's economic decline.

Machado emphasized the significance of the Venezuelan conflict for US national security, stating via Zoom from her Venezuelan safe house, "It's crucial for American institutions to recognize that Venezuela represents the Western Hemisphere's most critical conflict concerning US national security."

She highlighted the potential for a strong US-Venezuela alliance, particularly in addressing regional migration issues. "We aspire to be the United States' strongest ally in the Americas," Machado stated, adding, "We're eager to resolve the migration crisis. We want Venezuelans to return willingly, in large numbers, which will happen when they see a future in their country."

Machado underscored Venezuela's vast energy potential, envisioning a transformation from a "criminal hub" to an "energy hub" of the Americas, partnering with the US. Gonzalez also met with incoming National Security Advisor, Congressman Michael Waltz, during his Washington visit. Maduro has threatened Gonzalez with arrest upon his return to Venezuela.

Machado stressed the importance of the situation for American safety, stating, "The events of the next few days in Venezuela will determine not only our democracy's future but also the future of democracy in the region."

She drew parallels to the Assad regime's fall in Syria as a warning to Maduro's remaining supporters within the military and judiciary. The regime has intensified its intimidation tactics, encircling her family's homes with secret police, deploying a drone over her mother's residence, and detaining President-elect Gonzalez's brother-in-law.

"Maduro has lost everything but fear and repression," Machado declared. "He's lost popular support, legitimacy, and international standing. He only has Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah left."

Following Gonzalez's White House visit, the Maduro regime arrested two Americans, accusing them of being US-sent mercenaries. The State Department expressed concern, working to gather information while denying any US involvement in a plot against Maduro and continuing to advocate for a democratic resolution to Venezuela's political crisis. The State Department also cautioned US citizens against traveling to Venezuela, citing the risk of arbitrary detention.