Maria Corina Machado, a leading figure in Venezuela's opposition, returned to the country after years in exile. She publicly thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in the downfall of President Nicolas Maduro. Machado, who was in hiding due to legal charges of treason, expressed gratitude for Trump's support during the 2019 protests that led to Maduro's removal from power.
Machado's return to Venezuela has raised questions about her future role in the political landscape. She has called for presidential elections in 2027, a demand supported by some opposition groups. Her comments were made during a press conference in Caracas, where she also praised Trump's actions in securing Maduro's arrest. Machado has previously criticized the lack of transparency in Venezuela's oil agreements with U.S.-linked companies.
Machado's political journey has been marked by exile and legal challenges. She was arrested in 2019 and spent time in hiding. Her return signals a shift in the opposition's strategy, with a focus on international alliances and domestic reforms. The U.S. Government, under Trump, played a key role in supporting the 2019 protests, which led to Maduro's temporary removal. Machado's current stance reflects a desire to leverage international support for political change in Venezuela.
