Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has issued a cautionary message about the risks of socialism to Americans during an appearance with Rachel Campos-Duffy in Panama. As the U.S. approached the midterm elections, Machado expressed concerns and conveyed a message to President Donald Trump. She commended his leadership and suggested that capturing Nicolás Maduro would be a defining achievement. She also criticized the Venezuelan government’s handling of recent earthquakes in the country.
On her return to Venezuela after almost a year abroad, Machado’s political environment had shifted significantly following Maduro’s removal by U.S. forces. “I’m here. With you all,” she announced on social media, marking her first appearance since December in her homeland.
Machado’s return coincides with Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro ally, acting as Venezuela’s interim leader with U.S. support, though no elections are planned. President Trump, when asked about Machado’s return while in Michigan, expressed surprise but wished her safety, describing her as a “very nice woman” who had presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize.
Machado had been honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her peaceful opposition to Maduro’s regime. Details of her return journey remain undisclosed. Her ally, Edmundo González, who was a presidential candidate in 2024 after Machado was barred from running, confirmed her return on social media. He announced his intention to join her soon, emphasizing her role in leading the opposition toward eventual “victory.” Machado’s voice and leadership are seen as crucial for steering the opposition’s efforts.
Rodríguez has continued as acting president despite her term expiration, backed by the Trump administration. Trump highlighted collaboration between the U.S. and Venezuela under Rodríguez, focusing on oil agreements and business ties.
The future of democracy in Venezuela remains uncertain, with Trump indicating that discussions of elections would occur after economic stabilization. Despite the current government focus, Machado and her allies insist on the necessity of establishing a democratic election date to secure lasting stability.
Machado’s homecoming adds complexity to the delicate relations among the Venezuelan opposition, the interim government, and Washington policymakers. Her return comes amidst reports that U.S. officials had previously recommended she delay coming back to Venezuela. Her political faction continues to abstain from talks aimed at reforming Venezuela’s Supreme Court and electoral authorities, which the opposition and Rodríguez’s government have been negotiating.