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Mario Machado in ‘permanent contact’ with Trump admin over return to Venezuela
Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she is coordinating her return with the United States and is in permanent contact with Trump administration officials. The comments came during a Madrid press conference on April 18, 2026, amid a backdrop of Maduro's removal, easing sanctions, and Machado’s European outreach.
Why It Matters
The remarks indicate potential U.S. involvement in shaping Venezuela’s political transition and could influence timing of returns, elections, and international sanctions policy.
Timeline
10 Events
Machado thanks Trump and defends Nobel prize offer
April 18, 2026
She thanked US President Donald Trump for risking US citizens' lives to secure change in Venezuela and defended her offering of the Nobel Peace Prize to him as a mandate of the Venezuelan people.
Machado addresses crowd in Madrid center; calls return home
April 18, 2026
"Today is the beginning of our return home," she told thousands of Venezuelans; she pledged that no tyranny will return to Venezuela.
Machado meets Isabel Díaz Ayuso in Madrid
April 18, 2026
Machado held a meeting with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid’s regional president, before addressing the Venezuelan crowd.
Press conference in Madrid announcing permanent contact with the US
April 18, 2026
Machado stated she is in 'permanent' contact with Trump administration officials and coordinating her return to Venezuela with the United States, emphasizing a need for a democratic electoral process.
Sánchez invitation declined
April 2026
Machado declined an invitation to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has signaled support for Rodríguez.
Machado European tour (Macron, Jetten, Meloni)
April 2026
Machado was touring European capitals this week, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Machado says she would return within the next few weeks
March 2026
In early March, Machado said she would return to Venezuela within the next few weeks, following Maduro’s removal.
Maduro captured by US forces
January 3, 2026
Nicolás Maduro was captured by US forces on January 3, 2026, a development referenced as leading to a changed political environment in Venezuela.
Rodríguez government actions following Maduro removal
January 2026
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez moved swiftly to approve new energy legislation and release political prisoners, welcoming US officials and companies aiming to open Venezuela’s economy.
US moves to ease oil and financial sanctions after Maduro’s removal
January 2026
Since removing Maduro from power in early January, the US government has moved to ease oil and financial sanctions in Venezuela.