Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado after praising its government

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado arrived at the White House for lunch with Donald Trump on Thursday, a meeting that could affect how the U.S. president seeks to shape the South American country’s political future.

Machado, who fled Venezuela in a daring seaborne escape in December, finds herself competing for Trump’s ear with members of Venezuela’s government and seeking to ensure she has a role in governing the nation going forward.

The lunch marks the first time the two have met in person.