Now home, Venezuela opposition leader Machado walks tightrope with supporters and Trump

CARACAS/BOGOTA – Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who returned to Venezuela on Sunday after an absence of nearly a year, faces a delicate balancing act as she attempts to run for elections while adhering to a U.S.-backed negotiation process between the interim government and other opposition factions. Her return was not without risk, as it could strain her relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.

Washington has stated that Machado has the right to be in Venezuela, but has endorsed acting President Delcy Rodriguez and favors a negotiation process between the Rodriguez government and opposition groups, excluding her Vente Venezuela movement. These ongoing talks aim to transform the electoral council and the top court ahead of the upcoming elections.

Both entities are now dominated by loyalists of the ruling party and are firmly aligned with ousted President Nicolas Maduro, who faces a contentious 2024 presidential election. Despite this, Machado's movement has published results indicating that her candidate secured victory in the polls. The U.S. military took control of Maduro in January, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.