This came following massive protests led by Maria Corina Machado alongside the elected president Edmundo Gonzalez Oropeza, protesting what the opposition described as rigged elections that led to Maduro’s third term.

Donald Trump used his platform on “Truth Social” to send a direct message to Maduro, affirming that “the democratic activist Maria Corina Machado and the elected president Gonzalez are peacefully expressing the will of the Venezuelan people with hundreds of thousands participating in demonstrations against the regime,” warning against any harm coming to them.

He added, “These freedom fighters must not be harmed and must remain safe and alive.”