"The Time Has Come," Machado Announces Return to Venezuela Amidst Earthquake Aftermath

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has declared "the time has come" for her return to Venezuela, vowing to be with her people soon after devastating earthquakes struck the nation. Machado, who has been in exile since late 2025, stated her presence is a duty to support those affected by the natural disaster.

"It is my duty to accompany my people, we need to be together to embrace, to cry, to mourn together, but also to give each other strength in this very difficult moment," Machado said in an interview with Fox News. The earthquakes, which occurred on June 24, have resulted in over 1,450 deaths, 3,150 injuries, and left 12,721 families affected.

Machado's announcement comes amid reports that the U.S. administration considers her planned return "inopportune." Two unnamed U.S. officials told The New York Times that Washington views her request for assistance in returning as a "political stunt." These officials expressed concern for Machado's safety, noting that the U.S. government has prioritized engagement with the interim government led by Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez.

Despite the reported reservations from Washington, Machado has been seeking to return to Venezuela for months. She previously urged her compatriots for strength and unity following the earthquakes via social media. Her return, she stated, is a priority to save lives and console those impacted by the disaster.