Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Says She Will Return To Venezuela In Coming Weeks

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado announced her imminent return to Venezuela. She aims to prepare for a decisive electoral victory and facilitate a transition to democracy. Machado praised U.S. President Donald Trump for bringing Nicolás Maduro to justice. Maduro and his wife were arrested and charged with drug trafficking in the U.S. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim leader, stated Machado must face justice for supporting U.S. actions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined phased steps for Venezuela's recovery and power transition. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, left Venezuela in 2025 after receiving the award. She later presented her medal to President Trump. Machado was disqualified from running against Maduro in the 2024 election. Protests followed Maduro's claimed victory, leading to state repression. The U.S. recognized Edmundo González as the rightful winner of that election.