María Corina Machado Returns to Caracas, Thanks Trump but Distances from Washington

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Caracas after months abroad, immediately calling for presidential elections next year. Her arrival marks a pivotal moment for Venezuela's fractured opposition, as Machado seeks to consolidate support while maintaining independence from foreign backers. She publicly thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his administration's pressure on Nicolás Maduro but stressed that her return was organized solely by her team, not any government. This careful positioning reflects her strategy to appeal to Venezuelans weary of external intervention while leveraging international attention. Machado, who won the opposition's primary last year before being barred from running, remains a symbol of resistance against Maduro's rule. Her call for elections in 2025 signals a renewed push for political transition, though the path remains fraught with repression and institutional hurdles. As she re-enters the political fray, Machado's ability to galvanize voters without being seen as a U.S. proxy will be critical. The coming months will test whether her return can translate into tangible momentum for change in Venezuela.