María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition politician and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been planning her return from the United States to Venezuela for several months. Following a severe double earthquake in June that struck the coastal region of La Guaira, Machado believed the timing was appropriate to return.

In a video message, she accused Venezuela's interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, of actively obstructing disaster relief efforts—a claim echoed by earthquake victims and some aid organizations. Sources close to Machado allege that the Venezuelan government threatened Copa Airlines with a landing ban if she were on board, though neither Copa Airlines nor the Venezuelan government has confirmed or denied this claim.

Machado did not address an incident reported by The Wall Street Journal in early July, which detailed her attempt in June to fly from the United States to the Dutch-held Caribbean island of Curaçao by private jet, followed by plans to travel to Venezuela by boat.

While some members of former President Trump's inner circle accuse Machado of opportunism, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly expressed understanding of her desire to return to Venezuela soon. According to BBC correspondent Tom Bateman, Rubio may be cultivating an image as an advocate for the rule of law, possibly with an eye on a 2028 presidential run.

Despite her essential role in the opposition's 2024 victory, Machado faces internal challenges, including difficulties in negotiating and reaching agreements within her own political faction. She has been repeatedly told that "this is not your time," yet she remains determined and anxious to proceed with her plan to return.

Sources