Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is planning her return to Venezuela, having secured a Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, and is maintaining contact with the Trump administration to facilitate the move and advance the country’s political transition, she stated in a recent television interview with Fox News.
Machado emphasized that her return is part of a coordinated strategy linked to Venezuela’s future and regional stability. She argued that the situation in Venezuela has implications extending beyond its borders, asserting that the country’s freedom is “a matter of security for the hemisphere.” She also highlighted the need for a robust technical plan for institutional, economic, and social recovery, with clearly defined stages.
The opposition leader referenced recent political developments as a turning point for the region, believing they have fundamentally altered the balance of power and opened the door to a new model for Venezuela. She reiterated her gratitude for international support, stating, “As Venezuelans, we are highly grateful for what has been done and we hope to continue building a democratic nation to which our children can return.”
Machado has publicly stated that the ongoing process in Venezuela could trigger broader transformations across Latin America and facilitate the return of Venezuelan migrants, while advocating for free elections as part of the transition. She believes Washington’s support will be crucial for Venezuela’s institutional and economic reconstruction, a process she says will require international coordination, investment, and deep reforms to stabilize the political system and revive the national economy.
In January 2026, Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House, presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize. Trump, who has long sought the award, posted on Truth Social, calling it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” The meeting occurred as Machado seeks backing from the U.S. In her bid to lead a post-Nicolás Maduro Venezuela. However, the White House has also been engaging with Delcy Rodriguez, the current acting president and a longtime regime insider, signaling a complex diplomatic approach.
Machado’s praise for Trump’s “aggressive approach” to Venezuela has been consistent, as reported in November 2025. She has described his actions as “absolutely correct,” suggesting a strategic alignment despite the ongoing U.S. Engagement with figures within the Maduro government. Following her meeting with Trump, Machado was photographed leaving the White House with a Trump-branded swag bag, but without a clear indication of specific U.S. Policy changes regarding her leadership aspirations.