Venezuelan Opposition Leader Plans Return

María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, is currently in hiding but has expressed intentions to return to Venezuela soon, especially following the recent resignation of Nicolás Maduro.

“I plan to go back as soon as I can,” she shared during an interview with Sean Hannity on Monday. The 58-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate emphasized her commitment to the cause, stating, “Every day, I assess where I can contribute the most.”

Machado has been an outspoken supporter of President Trump’s military strategies aimed at Maduro’s regime. She recently indicated her willingness to lead a transitional government alongside Edmund González, who has been recognized by both herself and the U.S. as the rightful winner of the last presidential election.

However, President Trump has expressed skepticism regarding her suitability for leadership, remarking, “I don’t think she has the public support that she needs.” He further suggested that if she were to run, it might be better for someone else to take the lead, stressing the need to stabilize the country first.

Machado noted that she had not communicated with Trump since he won the Nobel Prize in October, but she expressed deep appreciation for his actions against what she termed a “narco-terrorist regime.” “On behalf of the Venezuelan people, I’m grateful for his courageous vision,” she stated.

When asked about the possibility of offering Trump the Nobel Prize, she mentioned she hadn’t done so yet but would like to. “We, the people of Venezuela, would love to present it to him and share it with him, as it represents our achievement,” she added.

According to Machado, a “free Venezuela” could become a significant ally to the United States, serving as an energy hub with an open market and enabling millions of displaced Venezuelans to return home.