Carrie Conn

Machado has tried to win back Trump's support, heaping praise on him in media interviews and pledging to share her Nobel Peace Prize.

But Trump has signaled for now his support is solidly behind Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, with whom Trump says he recently had a good conversation.

Machado's political party is widely seen as the legitimate winners of the 2024 presidential election that then-leader Nicolás Maduro claimed to have won.

Machado led huge protests and, according to multiple recent polls, remains widely popular inside Venezuela.

Carrie Conn, NPR News, Rio de Janeiro.

Long lines at gas stations and water distribution centers are nothing new in the Venezuelan capital.

Residents queued up as usual in stores in Caracas.

After years of financial hardship, many are taking the latest moves by the Trump administration in stride.

Officials, however, flooded the airwaves.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez says Trump has made it clear the U.S.

We are not intimidated by your taunts and threats, he said.

Carrie Conn, NPR News, Rio de Janeiro.

The bill allows Brazilians an exemption from taxes, raising the limit the poor and middle class can make to the equivalent of about 900 U.S.

dollars a month.

Previously, only those making less than about 500 dollars a month were exempt.

To make up the difference in lost income, the government will increase taxes on Brazil's top earners and their dividends.

Supporters say it's common sense legislation.

Those who have less pay less.

Those who have more pay more.

President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva is set to sign the bill, handing him a major political victory as he plans to run for re-election next year.