After nearly a year of living abroad, Venezuelan opposition leader Chávez announced on October 25 that she was returning to her country. Reuters reported that her previous attempts to return home had failed, and these attempts also strained her relations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
On October 25th, Machado posted on social media saying, “I’m back, together with you.”
October 25th, Machado paid tribute to his supporters. Reuters
According to photos released by Machado's press team, she appeared in a church in the western state of Lara. On October 25th, she traveled by car to Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, with supporters gathering along the roads she passed to cheer her on.
It is reported that her repeated efforts to return to her country have tested her relationship with the Trump administration. Reuters reported in June that U.S. officials requested her to postpone her return at least once. Her team did not disclose in detail how she will return to her country this time.
According to Reuters, four people familiar with her itinerary said that Machado flew to Colombia via a private aircraft from Panama, and entered Venezuela by land on October 25.
A person who was directly informed of Machado’s itinerary and plans said that Machado was always under the protection of American security service contractors during his trip. The United States has warned Venezuelan President Rojas and Venezuelan authorities not to interfere with or threaten her safety.
According to this person, her return to her country has been coordinated with the governments of the United States, Panama, and Colombia.
The person also added that Trump approved her return home and has been keeping track of the relevant situation.
But on October 25th, Trump stated that he had no knowledge of Machado's return to the country, and hinted that the United States would continue to support Rodrigues.
She is very nice," Trump said when speaking about Maduro, "But we've done very well in Venezuela."
On that day, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on social media that the conditions for Machado's safe return to Venezuela are a direct result of the reconciliation negotiations supported by the United States.
In January this year, after kidnapping Venezuelan President Maduro, Trump repeatedly expressed his support for the interim government led by Rodriguez. He also praised the oil production and other commercial agreements reached between American companies and Venezuela. In September, Trump said it was too early to consider holding democratic elections in Venezuela.
In September, several international energy companies promised to expand their investment projects in Venezuela. The signing ceremony was co-hosted by Rodrigues and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry.
Machado said that only a 'serious democratic government' can provide the stable environment investors need.
In October, the Venezuelan government held a new round of talks with some opposition representatives, aiming to reorganize the Supreme Court and the Electoral Commission before presidential elections. The opposition led by Maduro did not participate in these talks.
It is reported that Machado was prohibited by the Venezuelan government from leaving the country, but she secretly departed at the end of 2025.
