Laura Loomer Changes Tune on Venezuela's Machado, Urges 'Immediate Free Elections' After Rubio Meeting

In a 180 degree change on her opinion about Venezuela's María Corina Machado, conservative political commentator Laura Loomer called for "IMMEDIATE free elections" following a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and opposition leader, framing the moment as an opportunity to consolidate political transition and expand U.S. energy interests.

In a post on X, Loomer said that "now that the Trump administration has successfully driven the communist Chinese and Russian influence OUT of Venezuela, it is time to push for IMMEDIATE free elections." She added that the country "must return to the rule of law and provide investment security" to unlock its oil sector, arguing that doing so would help secure "energy dominance for the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere."

Loomer's remarks came in response to a post by Machado, who described her meeting with Rubio at the State Department as an "excellent" step forward. Machado thanked Rubio for his "commitment to democracy, freedom, and the well-being of Venezuelans" and added: "The day is coming when we will reunite our families in Venezuela."

Loomer's call for elections marks a shift in tone from her previous criticism of Machado. She dismissed the Venezuelan opposition leader's Nobel Peace Prize as "an absolute joke" back in October and argued that her actions were "actively stoking and promoting violent regime change," questioning how her efforts could be considered peaceful.

She also accused Machado of undermining U.S. policy toward Venezuela after Maduro's capture, criticizing her for challenging reforms backed by the Trump administration and interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, saying her stance "comes across as divisive & out of touch" at a time when Washington was working to expand investment in the country's oil sector.

The meeting between Machado and Rubio took place as Washington deepens its involvement in Venezuela following the January operation in which U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro. Since then, the administration has recognized interim leader Delcy Rodríguez and moved to reestablish diplomatic ties, including reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

Rubio has outlined a three-phase approach for Venezuela: stabilization, recovery, and transition, while emphasizing that elections remain the end goal. In an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, he said that "ultimately, there will have to be a transition phase... there will have to be free and fair elections... and that point has to come," while also urging patience.

Rubio pointed to resumed oil flows to U.S. refineries and the release of political prisoners as signs of progress, though no timeline has been set for elections. Machado, who has been outside Venezuela after spending more than a year in hiding, has indicated she plans to return to participate in the political process.

Her meeting with Rubio marked her second known visit to the State Department since Maduro's removal.