INTERNACIONAL
Post Trump meeting, Venezuelan opposition leader says country will hold ‘free and fair’ elections ‘eventually’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
After meeting with President Donald Trump, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Friday that Venezuela will hold «free and fair» elections «eventually» as Nicolás Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez continues to rule the country after his capture.
Machado did not offer a timeline for how long the current interim government would be allowed to rule, only that elections would happen «as soon as possible.»
«I am profoundly, profoundly confident that we will have an orderly transition.»
Speaking at a news conference hosted by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington, Machado said Venezuela is taking «the first steps of a true transition to democracy,» but stressed that dismantling the country’s repression apparatus must come before any credible election can be held.
«We are facing a very complex and delicate process,» Machado said. «Eventually we will have free and fair elections,» she added, while emphasizing that security, rule of law and the release of political prisoners must come first.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said her country will hold new elections «eventually.» (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)
Machado rejected the idea that Venezuela’s constitutional election timelines could be applied immediately, arguing that years of repression have hollowed out democratic institutions. She said hundreds of political prisoners remain unaccounted for and warned that fear and coercion are still widespread inside the country.
«The fact that you are not in a prison doesn’t mean that you are free,» she said, citing restrictions on speech, movement and political organizing.
RUBIO LAYS OUT THREE-PHASE PLAN FOR VENEZUELA AFTER MADURO: ‘NOT JUST WINGING IT’
Her comments come after the Trump administration faces growing scrutiny from critics over the lack of a clear electoral roadmap following the Jan. 3 operation that led to the removal of longtime strongman Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described a three-phase U.S. plan — stabilization, recovery and transition — but acknowledged that the final phase remains undefined.
During her Washington visit, Machado met privately with Trump and praised his role in pressuring Maduro’s government. She said the president told her he cares deeply about the Venezuelan people and their future.
Machado also presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, a symbolic gesture toward a president who has long coveted the award. She described Trump’s actions on Venezuela as courageous and said U.S. support has given Venezuelans renewed hope after years of repression and economic collapse. The Nobel committee said in a statement that a «laureate cannot share the prize with others, nor transfer it once it has been announced.»
«The decision is final and applies for all time.»
Despite her praise for Trump, questions remain over Washington’s posture toward Venezuela’s interim leadership. Trump has publicly spoken positively about Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president who is now playing a central role in the transitional government — a stance that has unsettled some opposition supporters.
Machado sought to downplay the appearance of competition between herself and Rodríguez for the U.S. president’s support.
«This has nothing to do with a tension or decision between Delcy Rodríguez and myself,» Machado said when asked about Trump’s openness to working with the interim government. «This is about a criminal structure that is a regime and the mandate of the Venezuelan people.»
Trump has spoken positively about Rodríguez’s role in the transition and suggested he’d be open to meeting with her. On Thursday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe was in Venezuela meeting with Rodríguez.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez addresses the media in Caracas, Venezuela, March 10, 2025. (Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters)
Trump recently called Machado a «very fine woman» with whom he has «mutual respect,» after saying Jan. 3 that Machado «doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country» to rule.
Machado called Rodríguezr «a communist» and «the main ally and representation of the Russian regime, the Chinese and the Iranians,» while arguing that Rodríguez «does not represent the Venezuelan people» or the armed forces.
VENEZUELA’S NEW INTERIM LEADER DELCY RODRÍGUEZ ‘HATES THE WEST,’ EX OFFICIAL WARNS
Machado said the current phase of the transition remains unstable, with elements of the former regime still being forced to dismantle systems of repression, including intelligence units and detention centers. Only after those structures are neutralized, she said, can Venezuela begin rebuilding democratic institutions and organizing legitimate elections.
Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse for an initial appearance to face U.S. federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and others in New York City, U.S., January 5, 2026. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
She also stressed that future elections must include Venezuelans living abroad, noting that millions were barred from voting in past contests.
«Every single Venezuelan, living in Venezuela or abroad, should have the right to vote,» Machado said.
Trump has previously questioned whether Machado has sufficient support inside Venezuela to govern, backed by a U.S. CIA report on the matter, a remark she did not directly address during her public remarks. Instead, she framed the transition as a collective effort driven by popular will rather than individual leadership.
«This is not about me,» Machado said. «It is about the will of the Venezuelan people.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
For now, she said, the priority remains security.
«We understand the urgency,» Machado said. «But without dismantling terror, there can be no real democracy.»
The White House has said the United States intends to play a hands-on role during Venezuela’s transition, arguing it has significant leverage over interim authorities in Caracas. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said last week the administration believes it has «maximum leverage» over Venezuela’s interim leadership, including influence over economic and security decisions as the transition unfolds.
After the Maduro capture, Trump said the U.S. would essentially run Venezuela. «We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.»
On Machado, Trump initially expressed skepticism. «I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.» A source told Fox News Digital there was concern among senior officials even prior to the Venezuela operation that Machado «lacked the necessary support in Venezuela if Maduro was to be removed.»
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the administration envisions a phased approach to Venezuela’s transition — beginning with stabilization, followed by recovery and then a political transition. Rubio acknowledged that while elections are the end goal, they must come after security conditions improve and democratic institutions are rebuilt.
Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
venezuelan political crisis,nicolas maduro,donald trump,latin america,foreign policy
INTERNACIONAL
Putin lanza una curiosa convocatoria que llega hasta la Argentina: busca repatriar a Rusia talentos académicos y empresariales
El gobierno de Vladimir Putin lanzó una convocatoria por el mundo entero que también llegó a la Argentina a través de los canales oficiales de su embajada en Buenos Aires: buscan “extranjeros y apátridas que deseen contribuir con sus habilidades y conocimientos en Rusia”.
Es un “programa de repatriación” basado en el decreto presidencial 883 del 12 de diciembre de 2025. Y se podrá pedir la inmigración a Rusia a partir del 15 de abril. «El decreto 883 es el primer programa migratorio de Rusia destinado a extraer extranjeros talentosos«, dice la convocatoria con un cuadro diferenciando el objetivo del decreto 702 de 2024 («apoyo humanitario») y del 883 de 2025 («atracción de talento»)
La convocatoria llamó profundamente la atención si se tiene en cuenta que en distintas capitales del mundo entero, como en Buenos Aires, por ejemplo, la inmigración de ciudadanos rusos es muy notable. Se observa una mayoritaria presencia de parejas jóvenes con pequeños hijos nacidos en la Argentina, un camino a la residencia y a la ciudadanía pese a que las normas migratorias se endurecieron. Si se cumple la ley se quedan.
Este otro programa lanzado por Moscú hay que leerlo en clave doméstica de la Federación Rusa y no por su relación con Argentina que, más allá del apoyo de Javier Milei a los ucranianos en su guerra de resistencia contra Rusia, nunca buscó escalar contra Putin. Más aún, se mantiene cauteloso siempre por la buena sintonía de su aliado, Donald Trump, con el líder ruso. Sin ir más lejos el 20 de enero el Vicecanciller ruso, Serguéi Riabkov , se reunió con el embajador argentino en Moscú, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieyra.
En el transcurso de la conversación, «el Embajador presentó la candidatura, propuesta por el Gobierno de Argentina, del Director General del Organismo Internacional de Energía Atómica (OIEA), Rafael Grossi, para el cargo de Secretario General de la ONU.”, señala la información recibida entonces por Clarín.
El programa está dirigido a atraer extranjeros que: “tengan logros académicos o en ciencia, tecnología, producción, deportes, industrias creativas, cultura o educación”; que “hayan hecho una contribución a la sociedad, la economía o a la defensa y seguridad de Rusia”; que “posean profesiones, calificaciones o habilidades muy demandadas”.
Al leerse los detalles son más estrictos porque pueden ir variando las demandas, los académicos con logros científicos y tecnológicos son unos. Los empresarios deben tener ingresos de al menos 10 millones de rublos rusos en determinados sectores de la economía, o deben destacarse en algún sector de las industrias creativas. No se especificaron cuáles. Los estudiantes que se presentes deben demostrar talentos.
Según informó la embajada rusa en Buenos Aires, está abierto a “ciudadanos de todos los países del mundo”, con procedimientos migratorios acelerados (prometen entre 95 y 125 días), se entregan permisos de residencia temporal sin cuotas ni exámenes; y el acceso directo a un permiso de residencia permanente luego de una evaluación de la cancillería rusa, el ministerio del Interior. Es decir, una residencia temporal de 30 días, y una permanente después de los 30 días.
Funcionarios con conocimiento de asuntos geopolíticos que prefirieron no dar su nombre porque el tema que se abordaba señalaron a Clarín que esto hay que leerlo no como una búsqueda de soldados para mandarlos a la guerra sino como una “estrategia de volver al mundo”, teniendo en cuenta que el aislamiento que le impusieron las potencias occidentales tras la invasión de Ucrania “les pega más de lo que creemos y la élite tiene mucha vocación de integrarse”, de convocar ejecutivos, profesionales.
Rusia, que siempre fue muy estricta en materia migratoria, es decir cerrada, aparece ahora ofreciéndose a los inmigrantes, un espejo inverso al de los Estados Unidos.
La convocatoria dice que los cónyuges, padres e hijos (incluidos adoptados o bajo tutela) pueden trasladarse junto con el repatriado; y también que los repatriados y sus familias reciben apoyo integral tanto a nivel federal como regional, incluso a través del Estándar Regional de Integración de Repatriados aplicado en determinadas entidades territoriales rusas de modo piloto.
INTERNACIONAL
Mamdani’s early moves as mayor clash with affordability pledge: ‘Ripple effects are significant’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ran on a message of making the Big Apple more affordable for everyday Americans, but some of his actions in the first few weeks of his tenure have served to undercut that reality.
In the early days of his time as mayor, Mamdani has already shown a penchant for vehemently defending low-wage, unskilled delivery-app workers in a manner that industry executives and business experts think will hit consumers’ pocketbooks. He sued a delivery app startup earlier this month for allegedly violating the city’s worker-rights laws, and warned the broader range of delivery app companies operating in the city to abide by ramped up worker rights being imposed at the end of the month, or else.
At a press conference announcing the lawsuit and accompanying demand letters issued to delivery app companies warning them to follow the updated worker protections, Mamdani also accused the delivery-app startup, MotoClick, of stealing workers’ tips. Among the reforms Mamdani has signaled he plans to vigorously enforce is a mandated tipping framework that estimates show could push more than half-a-billion in additional costs on consumers annually.
The updated protections will also add more delivery-app companies, such as those that deliver groceries, to the list that must follow the delivery-app worker rights laws, including a mandated minimum wage higher than what some emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in the city make.
‘ZOHRANOMICS’: NYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI’S SOCIALIST MATH DOESN’T ADD UP
Zesty is now in beta in San Francisco and New York as DoorDash tests and refines its personalized matching experience. (iStock)
«We know affordability is not just about the cost of goods — it’s about the dignity of work,» Levine told companies including DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber. «Today’s lawsuit against Motoclick is not just an action against one company, it’s a warning to every app-based company from this Administration. You cannot treat workers like they are expendable and get away with it. We will seek full back pay and damages. We will seek full accountability.»
Mamdani pointed to a recent report put out by his Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Sam Levine, which showed disobeying city mandates going into effect later this month, requiring apps to give the opportunity for customers to tip before or at the same time that an order has been placed, significantly impacts the amount of incoming tip revenue. Levine’s report that Mamdani touted estimates alternative tipping frameworks, such as only allowing tips upon completion of a delivery, have altered tipping revenue by an estimated $550 million per year.
Mamdani also stood by in tacit agreement during the press conference as delivery-app worker advocates called for an increase to their already mandated minimum wage they have that is approximately $4.50 higher for delivery-app drivers than the city’s base minimum wage of $17 per hour. The workers said they wanted a mandate that they get paid $35 per hour, to which Mamdani replied: «closed mouths don’t get fed.»
Mamdani campaigned on raising the base minimum wage to $30 per hour for all New Yorkers by 2030.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a press conference defending worker rights for delivery-app drivers on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, his eager enforcement to protect delivery-app drivers will include making sure a wider breadth of delivery-app companies, such as those who deliver groceries like InstaCart and Shipt, abide by New York City’s extended minimum wage laws for their workers – plus the other mandates related to the tipping structure and more.
DCWP has indicated plans to set a minimum pay rate for all delivery apps by early 2027.
HOURS AFTER TAKING OFFICE, NYC MAYOR MAMDANI TARGETS LANDLORDS, MOVES TO INTERVENE IN PRIVATE BANKRUPTCY CASE
«The challenges facing delivery workers, small businesses, and consumers are real, and deeply interconnected. That’s why this issue cannot be reduced to a single policy lever or viewed in isolation,» a spokesperson for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce told Fox News Digital. «Small businesses across the Bronx and throughout New York City are already under extraordinary pressure. When additional costs are layered on without a full economic analysis, those costs are predictably passed down to consumers or absorbed through reduced hours, reduced staffing, or closures. When businesses close, communities lose jobs, services, and economic anchors, and the ripple effects are significant.»
The Chamber of Commerce spokesperson added that Mamdani has an opportunity «to lead by tackling affordability in a holistic way,» which they said would require «comprehensive cost analysis and coordinated solutions that support workers while ensuring the small business ecosystem and consumer affordability are not unintentionally harmed.»
Signage reading ‘Days of a New Era’ is juxtaposed behind New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a press conference he attended about reining in ‘junk fees.’ (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
When reached for comment about the discrepancy between Mamdani’s message of making New York City more affordable for everyone, versus his push to protect delivery-app worker rights that could impact consumer pricing, a New York City Hall spokesperson argued that «the insinuation that putting more money in the pockets of delivery workers undercuts affordability is absurd.»
«Delivery Workers are important members of our city’s economy, and deserve to be paid fairly – anything less is unacceptable,» the spokesperson added. «As Mayor Mamdani continues to stand up for everyday New Yorkers and actualize his ambitious agenda to make New York City truly livable for families. Affordability has been, and will continue to be, a guiding light.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
But DoorDash’s head of public policy for North America, John Horton, said that ensuring delivery-app workers «earn double what many first responders in the city make» is not a policy solution they believe will make New York City more affordable. Currently, a local fire technician and emergency medical services union in the city is in the midst of a public awareness campaign to raise their wages because they make less than delivery-app drivers at $18.94 per hour.
Delivery-app workers in New York City must be paid $21.44 per hour according to local worker protection mandates. (iStock)
«A thriving New York will take a partnership between elected officials, the business community and workers to ensure we are all working in the best interests of New Yorkers in the midst of the city’s affordability crisis,» Horton added.
Fox News Digital followed up with Mamdani’s campaign to inquire about the complaint that EMS and some firemen in the city are making less than delivery-app workers, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
zohran mamdani,new york city,state and local,business regulation,small business under siege,politics
INTERNACIONAL
Trump says Iran called ‘numerous’ times to make deal as carrier enters Middle East waters
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
President Donald Trump said Iran appears to be looking to negotiate with the U.S. amid a growing military buildup in the Middle East.
In a Monday interview with Axios, Trump suggested that Tehran had reached out on «numerous occasions» and «want[s] to make a deal.»
«They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk,» the president told the outlet.
According to U.S. officials, also cited by Axios, any potential agreement would need Tehran to remove all enriched uranium, cap its long-range missile stockpile, a change in support for regional proxy forces, and cease independent uranium enrichment, terms Iranian leaders have not agreed to.
ISRAELI UN AMBASSADOR SENDS STARK WARNING TO IRAN AMID GROWING UNREST
The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. (M. Jeremie Yoder/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)
Trump also described the situation with Iran as «in flux,» and pointed to the arrival of what he called «a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela,» referencing the recent deployment of U.S. naval assets.
As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier entered CENTCOM waters in the Indian Ocean on Monday amid increasing threats from Iran, a senior U.S. official said.
«We have a big flotilla going in that direction, and we’ll see what happens,» Trump said of Iran. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images; Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump had told reporters Jan. 21, «We have a big flotilla going in that direction, and we’ll see what happens. We have a big force going towards Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely.»
The U.S. military buildup comes amid widespread unrest inside Iran following protests that began Dec. 28.
SECRET SERVICE AWARE AFTER IRANIAN STATE TV AIRS TRUMP THREAT FEATURING PHOTO OF BUTLER ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
The confirmed death toll amid mass protests in Iran has reportedly reached 5,848, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). (MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
According to a recent report from Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the confirmed death toll from the protests has reached 5,848, with an additional 17,091 deaths under investigation.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been sheltering in a fortified underground facility, according to Iran International.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Trump is expected to hold further consultations this week, Axios said, before adding that White House officials said an attack is still on the table.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
iran,donald trump,middle east foreign policy,white house,ali khamenei,national security,defense
Bonos y acciones que pican en punta con un riesgo país que ya marcó el menor nivel en más de 7 años
El Gobierno debate los tiempos para tratar la Ley Penal Juvenil: los plazos y las claves de la articulación
Canales para ver el Aldosivi vs. Defensa y Justicia por el Torneo Clausura
Alerta por calor extremo en AMBA: el día más agobiante y el regreso de las lluvias, este lunes 26 de enero
El ataque a Cristina Kirchner: es imposible que Sabag Montiel haya gatillado dos veces la vieja Bersa Lusber 84
El almuerzo de Willem Dafoe en José Ignacio antes de su visita a la Argentina
Carlos Pagni habló sobre las preocupaciones de Cristina Kirchner: “Tiene miedo porque sabe que se viene algo malo”
Mientras Quilmes arde, Mayra Mendoza viaja a Bogotá para defender a Cristina Kirchner
Juan Grabois contó que le pidieron plata para ir a un programa de C5N
Canadian PM Carney fires back at Trump over claim that ‘Canada lives because of the United States’
POLITICA2 días agoMientras Quilmes arde, Mayra Mendoza viaja a Bogotá para defender a Cristina Kirchner
- POLITICA1 día ago
Juan Grabois contó que le pidieron plata para ir a un programa de C5N
- POLITICA2 días ago
La apuesta del Gobierno por la “Argentina Week” en Nueva York: los funcionarios y líderes de sectores estratégicos que asistirán
