Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado has returned to her home country following nearly a year spent in exile, according to confirmations from her political team. With you,” Machado posted in Spanish on X.
Announcing her arrival on social media, Machado shared a brief message stating that she is present alongside citizens, though she did not disclose specific details regarding her location or travel methods.
Senior adviser David Smoalnsky stated that her homecoming marks a significant milestone toward establishing a democratic transition and scheduling verifiable, free, and fair presidential elections in the near future.
Smoalnsky added that Machado aims to support public efforts for freedom, democracy, and justice while thanking international figures like U.S. President Donald Trump for their ongoing leadership. Damn it!” a man yelled, long live freedom. Iran has “increased efforts to target U.S. personnel,” intel chief warns.
Machado previously departed the South American nation in December alongside a private U.S. rescue team to receive the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, marking her initial public appearance in eleven months prior to the U.S. military ouster of former leader Nicolás Maduro. Her first public appearance in 11 months, machado covertly snuck out of the South American country in December with a private U.S. rescue team to accept the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
Viewed as a fugitive by the Venezuelan government due to accusations of urging military intervention, Machado was previously barred from leaving.
Former presidential contender Edmundo Gonzalez, currently residing in Spain, verified her return online and expressed anticipation about joining her shortly to lead the ongoing political process. This is until the end, our sovereign voice returns with her to lead and guide this process!” he wrote. “You know it.
Following the announcement, Machado visited a church located in Lara state west of Caracas, where supporters greeted her enthusiastically with cheers, applause, and tearful embraces. With cellphones aloft to record her return, the Associated Press reported, dozens of supporters shook her hand and hugged her. One woman wiped away tears and called it “a miracle” while another woman’s hands flew to her face as she saw Machado enter the church. Olivia Gazis and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Spies, transfer, kushner pushes back on report involving phone.
When questioned about her return, President Trump remarked that he was unfamiliar with the specifics but praised her as a pleasant individual who had gifted him her Nobel Prize, adding that he hopes she remains safe. But many don’t think either party has a plan, poll finds Democrats still boosted by voters’ economic concerns.
Machado previously experienced multiple unsuccessful attempts to re-enter the country, including incidents during June earthquakes and a September trip where she was blocked entry three times within a single day. Today is a very important day for Venezuelans. Including during the aftermath of the devastating June 24 double earthquakes, machado made several failed attempts to return to her home country. According to in September, the opposition leader was denied entry into Venezuela three times over 24 hours, Smoalnsky, In a statement shared with ‘ Margaret Brennan and other journalists. According to she has attempted to enter the country by air and sea but has been turned away each time,” he, At the time.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the circumstances enabling her homecoming stem directly from U.S.-backed reconciliation dialogues.
The return unfolds amid ongoing uncertainties surrounding Venezuela’s democratic trajectory, with acting President Delcy Rodríguez remaining in power past her initial authorization timeline while citizens and allies continue pressing for formal election schedules. As another shouted, “Welcome to Venezuela, maría!” someone cried out. But we’re doing really well in Venezuela. According to the United, Expects the freedoms of all sectors of Venezuelan politics to continue to be respected,” he wrote on X. “Likewise, we expect all political actors to support these talks which represent the best chance Venezuela has had in thirty years to peacefully achieve not just a free and fair election but an enduring democracy.
