Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has vowed to return to her country “as soon as possible,” firmly rejecting the authority of the interim government installed in Caracas following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking to U.S. broadcaster Fox News on Monday, Machado said her return was imminent, marking her first public remarks beyond social media since U.S. forces forcibly removed Maduro from power over the weekend. She spoke from an undisclosed location, citing security concerns.
“I’m planning to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible,” Machado said, reiterating her claim to political legitimacy and leadership of the opposition movement.
Machado sharply criticised interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president and has signalled willingness to cooperate with Washington. She accused Rodríguez of being “one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption and narcotrafficking,” and insisted that she lacks public support inside Venezuela.
According to Machado, Venezuelans overwhelmingly back the opposition and would deliver a landslide victory in genuinely free and fair elections. “We would win by more than 90 percent of the vote. I have no doubt about it,” she said.
Outlining her vision for the country, Machado promised to dismantle what she described as entrenched criminal networks and transform Venezuela into “the energy hub of the Americas.” She also pledged to facilitate the return of millions of Venezuelans who have fled economic collapse, political repression and insecurity.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump has downplayed Machado’s prospects of assuming power, saying she lacks the respect required to govern the country. Trump has indicated a preference for working with Rodríguez and other figures from Maduro’s former administration, provided they meet U.S. conditions—particularly regarding oil policy.
In a striking gesture, Machado said she would be willing to offer her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, an award the U.S. president has long publicly coveted. She described U.S. actions against Maduro as “historic” and a major step toward Venezuela’s democratic transition, adding that the prize belonged to the Venezuelan people.
Despite her praise, Machado acknowledged that she has not spoken directly with Trump since October 10.
Venezuela remains in a volatile transition period, with competing claims to legitimacy, uncertainty over U.S. intentions, and growing pressure for elections. Machado’s promised return is likely to intensify political tensions as the country navigates its next phase following Maduro’s dramatic removal from power.
