María Corina Machado warns Americans of the dangers of socialism
Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado recently visited Panama, where she engaged with Rachel Campos-Duffy, expressing concerns to Americans about the perils of socialism ahead of the midterm elections. In her remarks, she conveyed a clear message to President Donald Trump, commending his leadership and indicating that capturing Maduro could define his legacy. Additionally, she criticized Delcy Rodriguez for her handling of severe earthquakes that struck Venezuela.
Machado made her return to Venezuela after almost a year abroad, re-entering a political climate altered by the U.S. removal of Nicolás Maduro. “I’m back. With all of you,” she announced on social media, marking her first return since December. Currently, Venezuela is led by Delcy Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, who has the support of the Trump administration. Interestingly, there are no presidential elections planned at this time.
When asked about Machado’s return during a press briefing in Port Huron, Michigan, President Trump admitted he was not aware of the situation but hoped for her well-being.
Machado’s return is significant, especially since it follows the U.S. forces capturing Maduro in January, which removed him from power. Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, continues to hold her position under the backing of the Trump administration, despite having surpassed her initially authorized term as acting president.
Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her nonviolent resistance against Maduro’s regime, has not disclosed the specifics of her arrival or where she has been during her absence. Fellow opposition leader Edmundo González confirmed her return via social media, expressing his intention to join her soon, declaring, “Today is a crucial day for Venezuelans. Our collective voice returns with her to lead this journey!”
While the U.S. has shown support for Rodríguez’s government, Trump has often highlighted their oil production agreements and favorable business relations with American firms. Despite this, in September, he remarked that it might be premature to consider democratic elections in Venezuela, prioritizing economic stability instead. Conversely, Machado and her supporters continue to urge for an electoral timeline, insisting that restoring democratic governance is vital for the country’s long-term recovery.
Interestingly, Machado’s return could introduce complexities in the dynamics among the Venezuelan opposition, the interim government, and Washington. Reports have suggested that U.S. officials had previously advised her to postpone her return, complicating matters further.
In the past, Machado faced significant risk, spending much of the previous year in hiding after a brief detention stemming from an opposition protest. Eventually, she managed to leave Venezuela and later appeared in Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize.
While Rodriguez’s government and another faction of the Venezuelan opposition have engaged in discussions regarding reforms to the Supreme Court and electoral authorities as they prepare for future elections, Machado’s political movement has not been a part of these negotiations.
