Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returns to Venezuela
The Nobel Peace Prize recipient's decision comes after US forces captured long-time president Nicolás Maduro in January this year, with the Trump administration leading efforts to open up the country's oil reserves.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has returned to her home country following her year-long absence. The former Nobel Peace Prize recipient made the announcement on social media, stating, "I'm here. With you all." Machado's return to Venezuela could potentially strain relations with the United States, as she has been working to cultivate ties with the Trump administration since the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro in January.
US President Donald Trump, upon learning of Machado's arrival, expressed that he was unaware of her return and hoped she was safe. He has previously shown support for interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former deputy, and praised US investments in Venezuela's oil industry. International energy firms recently committed to expanding projects in the country.
Machado, who was barred from leaving Venezuela by Maduro's government, managed to secretly depart the country to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in late 2025 after spending more than a year mostly in hiding. Her desire to return to Venezuela has caused friction with US officials, who had asked her to postpone her trip. Machado's political movement, however, is not part of the current talks between opposition factions and the interim government aimed at reforming the top court and electoral council ahead of elections.
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