Trump Denies Asking Machado Not to Travel to Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that his administration advised Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado against returning to Venezuela. Responding to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, "No, not at all. How would I tell her that?" He also praised Machado, recalling that she had gifted him a Nobel Peace Prize medal, symbolizing their connection.

Trump's remarks followed an investigative report by Axios, which cited administration sources who allegedly described Machado's attempt to re-enter Venezuela as "grotesque political opportunism." According to the report, high-level White House officials expressed displeasure with Machado's potential return during the country's humanitarian emergency, suggesting her actions could create "unnecessary drama" within the State Department.

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No, not at all. How would I tell her that?

Machado herself recently posted on X, "I am going back. Not as an event, but as a promise fulfilled step by step, because my place is there, with you. And when we meet, we will rebuild this country from the same side we have always been on." Her message was accompanied by an image of graffiti reading "On this side there is life" found on the rubble of a destroyed house in La Guaira.

The article also provides an update on the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Venezuela. The official death toll has risen to 3,811, with 16,740 injured. Additionally, 17,907 people have been left homeless, while 6,462 individuals have been rescued.

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I am going back. Not as an event, but as a promise fulfilled step by step, because my place is there, with you. And when we meet, we will rebuild this country from the same side we have always been on.