Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has encountered significant resistance from the Trump administration in her efforts to return to Venezuela, particularly after two devastating earthquakes. The White House and senior State Department officials have expressed frustration with Machado's timing, viewing her attempts as political opportunism during a humanitarian crisis. Officials recommended patience and warned that her return could destabilize the region and impede ongoing disaster relief efforts. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the U.S. government conveyed to Machado that she was acting on her own if she ignored their advice, signaling a significant breach in their relationship.
The Trump administration has instead focused on supporting Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president recognized by the U.S. after the removal of Nicolás Maduro, and her government's response to the earthquakes. This alliance was formed with the aim of facilitating U.S. relief efforts and preparing for eventual free elections. Officials argue that Machado's return could complicate this relationship and undermine the rebranding efforts of the ruling party. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, initially a supporter, is reportedly "at wit's end" with Machado's persistent advocacy for her return.
Machado, who left Venezuela in December 2025 to accept the Nobel Peace Prize and has been based in the U.S., has been pushing for an immediate political transition. She views the stolen 2024 presidential election as giving her a mandate. She made multiple requests to the White House, State Department, and members of Congress for help in facilitating her return. While some State Department officials and Republican members of Congress still support her, her recent actions have severely damaged her standing with key decision-makers in the Trump administration. Machado's previous gesture of giving her Nobel medal to President Trump did not sway him to support her return amidst the crisis.
Machado's attempts to return included two failed efforts last week: her charter plane was turned back from Curaçao, and she was blocked from boarding a flight from Panama City to Caracas. She claimed the government closed airspace to block her, though flight data showed commercial flights operating to provincial airports. These actions have led to internal discussions within Venezuela's government about how to respond if she appears at the border. The U.S. is channeling $150 million in humanitarian aid and has mobilised search and rescue teams for the earthquake response. The earthquakes killed at least 1,900 people and injured thousands more, leaving many displaced.
