In a surprising moment during the State of the Union address, President Donald Trump highlighted what he called a “new phase” in Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and pointed to Alejandra González, the niece of Venezuelan opposition figure Enrique Márquez. The president explained that González had feared never seeing her uncle again, after he was detained and held in the feared Helicoide prison for questioning the election results. Trump then announced he had a surprise, and Márquez, recently released and brought directly from Caracas, appeared and embraced his niece before Congress.
Following the speech, Márquez was taken to the White House, where he met with several officials and toured the presidential complex. Later, in a video recorded by his companion and sent to Venevisión, Márquez stated, “what is happening is good, we have an opportunity” and expressed his desire to “take advantage of this opportunity to build the country we all want,” referring to the changes in Venezuela after Maduro’s capture.
The appearance in the speech echoed a similar moment in 2020, when Juan Guaidó, recognized as Venezuela’s interim president, addressed the press from the same location with bipartisan support and was received in Washington with honors, including a stay at Blair House.
According to sources in the Trump administration, Márquez’s appearance was not accidental. It was intended as a visually impactful moment to underscore the administration’s claimed achievements in Venezuela: the release of political prisoners and the closure of El Helicoide, a symbol of Chavista repression.
However, the picture is incomplete. While hundreds of political prisoners have been released since January, hundreds remain incarcerated, and many of those released still face restrictions, including travel bans and court obligations. The opening is partial and closely monitored.
María Corina Machado’s team celebrated Márquez’s reunion with his family, but emphasized that persecution in Venezuela is non-partisan, stating, “Everyone is persecuted in Venezuela, regardless of which party they come from.” They noted Márquez is a left-wing leader, and his inclusion in the speech highlights that repression has affected the entire opposition spectrum.
Machado had been invited to the address by multiple members of Congress, but believed the focus should be on all political prisoners, not just one individual, having already met with Trump and his team during a private visit. Trump has indicated he wants to meet with her again as the stabilization of Venezuela, according to the White House plan, enters a critical phase.
Within the White House, multiple advisors are providing input on Venezuela. Trump listens to different perspectives, but decisions are concentrated within a small group including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Both met with Machado during her visit and are part of the core team defining the political steps forward.
The Choice of Márquez, Another Reading
Selecting Márquez to represent the released prisoners adds another layer of interpretation, given his left-wing affiliation. He is not the most popular face of the opposition, but has institutional experience within the regime and, sources suggest, could serve as a bridge to diverse sectors. His appearance raised questions in Washington and Caracas: was it simply a scripted moment, or is the White House testing names for a potential transition?
Sources indicated Márquez could play a role in a transition, referencing his past position on the National Electoral Council. They stated, “It is necessary to have people on the ground, with opponents and political figures who are inside and can serve as a bridge, can attract the regime and opponents in exile to negotiate and dialogue.” Márquez confirmed his return to Caracas shortly after appearing at the Capitol and the White House, declining to comment on whether he would consider a direct role in a transition.
Márquez was detained on January 7, 2025, amidst a wave of arrests of opposition leaders following the presidential elections. He was linked to alleged actions to destabilize the institutional order and his allies maintained his arrest was retaliation for demanding the publication of election results. Human rights organizations reported arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance in the initial hours.
He remained in detention for almost a year before being released on January 8, 2026, as part of a mass release of political prisoners following Maduro’s capture. Between January 8 and February 20, 459 political prisoners were released in Venezuela, though observers note that at least half remain imprisoned or face severe restrictions on their freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Enrique Márquez’s appearance at the State of the Union address?
His appearance was a planned moment by the Trump administration to highlight the release of political prisoners and the closure of El Helicoide in Venezuela, presenting it as a success of their policies.
Is Enrique Márquez a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition?
He is described as a left-wing leader with institutional experience within the Venezuelan regime, but not the most popular face of the opposition.
What is the current status of political prisoners in Venezuela?
While hundreds have been released since January, hundreds remain in prison, and many of those released still face restrictions on their freedom.
As Venezuela undergoes this period of change, what role will figures like Enrique Márquez play in shaping the country’s future?
