Vera Bergengruen

I think for most of her supporters, the more notable thing is what didn't happen in this meeting.

She wasn't given a public audience.

I think we're all used to these Oval Office meetings where Trump receives foreign dignitaries and they have this back and forth or they, you know, at least meet us at the White House.

They have some kind of photo op and they say some words to the cameras.

It is really unusual for this not to happen.

And it has been really stunning to see him say that, to really embrace her.

I mean, he's been very, very flattering towards someone who, again, was Maduro's vice president.

And she is a regime loyalist.

I mean, it's not like she turned against him.

And all of the same people who enforced this brutal regime are still running the government.

But Trump had a long phone call with her yesterday.

He called her a terrific person.

He's been very complimentary of the working relationship with the Venezuelan government.

We know that she's in Washington for a few more days to meet with supporters here, but it's very unclear exactly where she goes.

And again, I mean, there isn't yet much of an indication that the administration is wanting to help her return to Venezuela or to help her opposition movement really take hold.

Maria Corina Machado had been in hiding in Venezuela for over a year in a suburb off Caracas and had only been out once so far that we know of.

So getting her out, everybody knew, as the most recognizable woman in the region would be incredibly difficult.

The most remarkable thing about this in many ways is how many things went wrong.

They had to get her out, disguise her so she wouldn't be recognizable, and then get her all the way from Caracas to the coast in the north through more than 10 military and police checkpoints.

And then once they were on the beach about to board the boat, the engines had problems.