Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has harshly criticised opposition leader María Corina Machado during a visit to communities affected by the January 3 U.S. strikes in Catia La Mar, calling her actions “shameful” and questioning her Venezuelan identity for thanking foreign military intervention. Rodríguez emphasised the need for national unity and respect amid reconstruction efforts and pledged support to affected families with aid and services. The political tensions come as Machado, a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, meets U.S. leaders and presents her medal to President Donald Trump, highlighting deep divisions over Venezuela’s future direction and foreign involvement.