Venezuelan Opposition Leader's Adviser on US Alliance and Political Future

Reaction to US Military Operation

• 👏 David Smolansky, adviser to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, expresses gratitude to President Trump and the U.S. administration for a "quick, smooth and clean operation" that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro.
• 🎯 This action is seen as a significant step towards freedom in Venezuela, accomplishing what the International Criminal Court could not for six years.

Machado's Legitimacy and Support

• ❓ In response to President Trump's skepticism about Machado's domestic support, Smolansky asserts she is the most trusted leader in Venezuela.
• 🏆 Machado's legitimacy is highlighted by her winning a primary with 93% of the vote and endorsing the subsequent winner, who secured 70% of the vote.
• 🌍 The opposition movement, led by Machado, has global support from countries in Latin America, Europe, and beyond, underscoring her viable path to power.

Concerns Regarding Delcy Rodríguez

• ⚠️ Smolansky strongly criticizes Delcy Rodríguez, describing her as a member of the "Cartel de los Soles" and a key enabler of money laundering and corruption.
• 🚫 He emphasizes that Rodríguez cannot be trusted due to her past involvement in negotiations and her role in opening Venezuela's doors to China and Russia.
• 🤝 Despite potential complexities in political transitions, Smolansky insists that legitimacy and popular support lie solely with Machado.

Oil, Democracy, and Investment

• 📈 Smolansky addresses concerns that the U.S. administration might prioritize access to Venezuelan oil over democratic transition.
• 💡 He explains that Venezuela's oil industry was destroyed by corruption and its use to fund narco-terrorist activities, leading to a drastic drop in production.
• 🇺🇸 The opposition has presented a plan, the "$1.7 trillion opportunity", to involve U.S. oil companies in rebuilding the industry, emphasizing a belief in free markets, private property, and democracy.

Confidence in Democratic Transition

• ✅ Smolansky expresses confidence in an orderly and democratic transition led by the chosen leaders, María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González.
• 🤝 The opposition aims to work collaboratively with the U.S., democratic governments in Latin America, and other allies.
• 📍 The current whereabouts of María Corina Machado are not disclosed but are expected to be known soon.