Trumps Unterstützung für den venezolanischen Oppositionsführer Machado schwindet

Trump’s support for Venezuela’s opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, appears to be diminishing, raising questions about the future of U.S.-backed political movements in the country. Machado, who has long been a prominent figure in the opposition, recently sought to return to Venezuela after months of planning, hoping to capitalize on the devastation caused by a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck the coastal city of La Guaira in June. Her attempt to return, however, seems to have run into significant obstacles, particularly from the U.S. government, which has reportedly intervened to prevent her from landing in the country.

According to reports from Deutsche Welle, Machado recorded a video message from Panama City, where she criticized Venezuela’s interim government—led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez—for allegedly hindering disaster relief efforts. The accusations align with statements from earthquake survivors and aid groups, who have expressed frustration over the slow pace of assistance. Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, emphasized the urgency of addressing the crisis, suggesting that her presence in the country could help coordinate relief operations more effectively.

Despite these calls for action, Machado’s plans to return to Venezuela faced resistance. Sources close to her claim that the Venezuelan government threatened to impose a landing ban on the airline carrying her, should she be aboard. Neither Copa Airlines nor the Venezuelan authorities have officially confirmed or denied the allegations. However, the situation highlights the growing tension between Machado and the U.S. government, which has increasingly distanced itself from her leadership.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier in July that Machado had previously attempted to travel from the United States to the Dutch-controlled Caribbean island of Curaçao via private jet, intending to reach Venezuela by sea. This route was used in reverse in December when she secretly flew to Norway for the Nobel Prize ceremony. The U.S. government reportedly ordered the private jet to divert back over North Carolina, citing concerns that political tensions might interfere with ongoing relief efforts following the earthquakes. The decision was justified by the State Department, which argued that such disruptions could hinder humanitarian work.

Machado, a staunch conservative, had long been viewed as one of the most influential figures within the Venezuelan opposition, especially under former President Donald Trump. However, recent developments suggest that her relationship with the Trump administration has deteriorated significantly. A New York Times headline highlighted the rift, stating that the U.S. has undermined Machado’s efforts to return to Venezuela. Analysts note that while Machado played a crucial role in supporting the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez during the 2024 presidential election, she has struggled to build consensus even among her own supporters.

The 2024 election results remain contentious. While Venezuela’s electoral commission declared incumbent President Nicolas Maduro the winner, international observers widely disputed the outcome, asserting that Gonzalez had clearly emerged victorious. Machado, who was excluded from running due to a controversial court ruling, became a key supporter of Gonzalez’s campaign. Following the election, Maduro was arrested by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, and subsequently taken to the United States. Since then, Delcy Rodríguez has served as Venezuela’s acting president, a position largely aligned with U.S. interests.

Despite these political shifts, Machado has remained committed to her presidential ambitions. However, her prolonged absence from Venezuela has raised concerns about her ability to maintain public support. The earthquakes presented an opportunity for her to return and assert her influence, yet she has continued to defy repeated warnings from U.S. officials that her return would disrupt stability. Phil Gunson of the International Crisis Group notes that while Machado was instrumental in the opposition’s success, she lacks the diplomatic skills necessary to navigate complex negotiations. He suggests that the U.S. prefers leaders who can facilitate dialogue rather than challenge existing power structures.

As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for Venezuela’s political landscape remain uncertain. With the U.S. prioritizing stability over rapid democratization, Machado’s fate—and the future of the opposition movement—will likely depend on how well she can balance her ambitions with the realities of international politics. Whether she succeeds in returning to Venezuela or whether her influence continues to wane remains to be seen.