Former Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado surprised many Americans this week after publicly reacting to President Donald Trump’s announcement that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro had been captured and brought to the United States to face criminal charges.
Machado, who was born in Venezuela, shared a celebratory video on Instagram showing herself dancing. In the caption, translated to English, she wrote:
“Long live Venezuela, my beloved homeland. This is the beginning of the end. If God is with us, who can be against us?”
The post quickly drew attention online, particularly among Venezuelans who have long opposed Maduro’s socialist government and its grip on the country.
Trump Administration Confirms Maduro Indictment
The response came after officials confirmed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were charged in the Southern District of New York. President Trump said their detention resulted from a major U.S. operation aimed at the Venezuelan government.
The development comes after months of escalating pressure from the Trump administration. Last year, the president ordered a significant U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and South American region and authorized enforcement actions against Venezuelan oil shipments tied to sanctioned entities.
Justice Department Details Serious Charges
According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Maduro faces multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy offenses directed against the United States.
“These defendants will face American justice in American courts,” Bondi said in a statement, while thanking President Trump and U.S. military personnel involved in the operation.
Venezuelans React as Years of Rule Come Into Question
Maduro, 63, has ruled Venezuela since 2013 after being selected by former socialist leader Hugo Chávez. While Maduro has claimed multiple election victories, opposition leaders maintain that challenger Edmundo González won the 2024 election—a result later upheld by Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which critics say remains aligned with the ruling regime.
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, responded on social media by noting that Maduro had been under U.S. indictment for years over drug-trafficking and narco-terrorism allegations.
Machado’s History With Trump Resurfaces
Machado’s reaction drew additional attention because of her past criticism of Trump. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton referenced Trump’s remarks about Machado during a debate. At the time, Machado publicly supported Clinton and criticized Trump on social media.
Now, nearly a decade later, Machado appears to view Trump’s actions through a different lens—one shaped by Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic collapse.
She also shared a quote from Nelson Mandela on Instagram emphasizing freedom and dignity, signaling optimism about Venezuela’s future.
International Response and U.S. Public Opinion
The Venezuelan government condemned the U.S. action, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Russia also issued a statement expressing concern and calling for clarification.
In the United States, reactions were sharply divided. A survey reported by Washington Post found that a strong majority of Republicans supported President Trump’s decision, while most Democrats opposed it—highlighting ongoing political divisions over foreign policy and America’s global role.
Why This Moment Matters
For Machado and millions of Venezuelans who fled or suffered under Maduro’s rule, the capture represents a potential turning point. Her public message—once unthinkable given her past opposition to Trump—underscores how deeply Venezuela’s crisis has reshaped political perspectives.
As Maduro prepares to face U.S. courts, the long-term consequences for Venezuela, Latin America, and U.S. foreign policy remain uncertain—but the moment is already resonating worldwide.