U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed optimism on Monday regarding the potential return of opposition leader María Corina Machado to Venezuela, following her assertion of the urgent need to return to her homeland.
"She's an excellent woman. She gave me the Nobel Peace Prize because she knows I deserved it; she's very remarkable, and everything will be fine," Trump remarked when directly questioned by ABC's Washington correspondent, David Alandete, about Machado's plans.
Alandete later shared Trump's response, emphasizing the president's description of Machado as a "very good woman" and his belief that her return to Venezuela "will be successful."
This statement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Machado's possible return. The opposition leader has consistently expressed her intention to go back to Venezuela, and over the past weekend, she penned an article for the New York Post, stressing that her return is now "urgent."
Machado's Determination to Return
"My duty is to accompany our people and peacefully channel the growing social tensions," wrote Machado, who has also called for a roadmap leading to free and competitive presidential elections in Venezuela.
According to ABC, Machado has made multiple attempts to return since June, employing various air, land, and sea routes, yet none have been successful.
Washington's Stance on Machado's Return
The outlet also reports that Washington had considered it not the right time for her return amidst the provisional political transition led by Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela.
Trump's recent remarks do not set a specific date for Machado's return nor do they represent a formal U.S. government announcement regarding any operation to facilitate her entry into Venezuela. Nonetheless, Trump did not express any public reservations when directly asked about the possibility.
The Trump-Machado Relationship
Trump previously denied preventing Machado's return. In July, he refuted claims that he had requested Machado to stay out of Venezuela, following media reports suggesting otherwise. "No... not at all... How would I say that? She's incredible," he had declared.
The relationship between Trump and Machado has seen various phases since the beginning of the year. On January 15, Machado was welcomed by Trump at the White House, where their meeting generated significant anticipation regarding Machado's potential role in Venezuela's future political landscape.
During that visit, Machado presented Trump with the medal for the Nobel Peace Prize she had received in 2025. Trump publicly thanked her for the gesture and described her as "a wonderful woman who has been through so much."
In March, another public gesture of goodwill occurred when Trump phoned Machado during a dinner at his Doral complex in Miami, telling her, "Everyone loves you here."
However, Washington's position on Machado's immediate role in the Venezuelan transition has not always been clear. In May, a CNN report citing sources indicated that Machado had not been included in initial discussions regarding the post-Nicolás Maduro political scenario.
Machado, meanwhile, has maintained her resolve to return to Venezuela. In September, she reiterated her intention to return despite the risks, asserting that Venezuela's democratic transition remains "unfinished."
Key Questions About María Corina Machado's Return
Why is María Corina Machado's return to Venezuela considered urgent?
Machado believes it is crucial to return to support her people and to peacefully address rising social tensions in Venezuela.
What is Donald Trump's stance on María Corina Machado's return?
Trump has expressed optimism about her return, describing her as an excellent woman and believing that everything will work out well for her return to Venezuela.
Has María Corina Machado faced obstacles in her attempts to return?
Yes, Machado has made several attempts to return to Venezuela since June using different routes, but none have been successful so far.
How has Washington's perspective on Machado's return evolved?
Washington had previously believed it was not the right time for her return, given the ongoing political transition in Venezuela led by Delcy Rodríguez.