29/06/2026 03:59 - Internacionales
In a development that highlights the complex political landscape of Latin America, María Corina Machado—the face of Venezuela's democratic opposition and recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize—has been unable to secure US government support for her return to Venezuela following the catastrophic earthquakes of June 24, 2026. Her request to the Trump administration was reportedly denied, leaving her unable to physically support her nation during one of its darkest hours.
For those unfamiliar with Venezuelan politics, María Corina Machado is a 58-year-old politician and industrial engineer who has become the most prominent voice opposing the authoritarian regime of Nicolás Maduro. Her leadership in the democratic movement earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, making her an internationally recognized symbol of Venezuela's struggle for freedom. She has lived in exile due to persecution by the Maduro government, which has issued arrest warrants against her.
According to reports from Reuters, Machado engaged in urgent communications with key US government figures:
Her goal was to secure diplomatic or logistical assistance that would enable her safe entry into Venezuelan territory to coordinate humanitarian response efforts during the emergency.
Despite Machado's international stature as a Nobel laureate and the urgency of the humanitarian crisis, President Donald Trump's administration reportedly declined to provide the requested assistance.
This decision underscores the delicate balance between humanitarian concerns and political calculations in US-Venezuela relations.
Machado's attempted return comes as Venezuela grapples with the aftermath of twin earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck on June 24, 2026. These were among the most powerful seismic events in the country's history.
| Impact Category | Reported Figures |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Deaths | Over 1,450 |
| Injured | 3,150 to 3,238 |
| Missing Persons | Approximately 70,000 |
| Buildings Damaged in La Guaira | 774 structures |
| Nations Providing Aid | 24 countries |
| International Rescue Workers | 2,741 personnel |
The global community has rallied to support Venezuela during this catastrophe:
⛪ Vatican
Pope Leo XIV contributed 100,000 euros in humanitarian assistance
🇪🇸 Spain
Cáritas Española mobilized 300,000 euros through its Emergency Program
🇦🇷 Argentina
Deployed 26 specialized military personnel with canine units and medical teams
Venezuela, once one of Latin America's wealthiest nations due to its vast oil reserves, has experienced a dramatic collapse under the socialist governments of Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) and his successor Nicolás Maduro (2013-present). The country has faced:
Machado's inability to return highlights the ongoing tensions between the exiled opposition and the Maduro regime, even during national emergencies.
📚 Source: This report was originally published by Reuters via La Voz on June 28, 2026.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
