U.S. officials have dismissed María Corina Machado’s attempts to return to Venezuela as a ‘political stunt.’ Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, intends to assist with recovery efforts following recent earthquakes. Her plans have met resistance from the Trump administration, which views her actions as a distraction.
The situation has escalated into a public disagreement between the U.S. and one of Venezuela’s most prominent political figures. Six sources familiar with the interactions revealed that the Trump administration consistently declined her requests and instructed her to stay out of Venezuela.
Machado’s political journey has been tumultuous. Once a celebrated figure within the U.S. Republican ranks, she led an opposition party that claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election, despite allegations of government interference and voter suppression. Nevertheless, Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, had his hold on power removed earlier this year by U.S. intervention.
There are concerns about possible retaliation from Venezuelan security forces if she returns. Despite this, Trump remains unconvinced of her capability to govern, a stance reinforced by her symbolic gift of her Nobel medal, which she offered to him as a gesture of goodwill.
Machado had to flee Venezuela due to security concerns. She accepted her Peace Prize abroad last year and has since refrained from returning. Her efforts to support Venezuela were not enough to influence Trump’s decision-making process.
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