The Trump administration officially opposes Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's exiled opposition leader, entering her home country. However, Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau is suspected of twice miscommunicating this U.S. policy to foreign officials. These alleged actions caused internal State Department arguments, international confusion, and increased tensions with Machado's supporters. The controversy arose after earthquakes in Venezuela, when Machado sought to return to aid relief efforts. Administration officials had criticized her desire to return as "gross political opportunism." Landau, whose father was ambassador to Venezuela, is suspected of opposing U.S. policy and being too close to Machado. He allegedly spoke with the Netherlands' ambassador about facilitating Machado's travel to Curacao and then Venezuela. This led the Dutch to initially grant permission, but they later reversed it as Machado was en route. Landau then reportedly conveyed a similar misleading message to the Panamanian Foreign Minister. Despite these incidents, Landau insists he was misunderstood and denies misrepresenting U.S. policy. Machado was eventually denied boarding a flight from Panama to Venezuela. A State Department spokesperson denied reports of conflict involving Landau, stating he is a trusted member of the leadership team.