Trump denies asking Machado to avoid returning to Venezuela

President Donald Trump has denied reports that his administration advised Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado against returning to her home country following devastating earthquakes. When questioned by journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, "No, not at all. How could I tell her that?"

The U.S. president praised Machado, recalling that she had gifted him a Nobel Peace Prize medal, which he keeps as a reminder of their connection. Trump's response followed an investigative report by Axios, which cited administration sources who characterized 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 efforts to return amid a humanitarian crisis, suggesting her actions created "unnecessary drama" within the State Department.

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

Machado herself has expressed her determination to return to Venezuela. She posted on X, "I am going to return. Not as an event, but as a promise that is fulfilled step by step, because my place is there, with you. And when we meet, we are going to lift this country up from the same side we have always been on."

The country is still reeling from the impact of earthquakes that occurred two weeks prior. Official figures indicate the death toll has risen to 3,811, with 16,740 injured. Additionally, 17,907 people are homeless, and 6,462 have been rescued.

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