Caracas — Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado is now being talked about as a key figure in her country’s unfolding political drama after U.S. forces captured long-time president Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic operation that has left Venezuela’s future hanging in the balance.
Machado, who has been living in hiding under threat of arrest for her role opposing Maduro’s government, praised the U.S. strikes and called them a “turning point” in the fight for democracy in Venezuela. This dramatic shift comes as Washington confirmed that it carried out military action leading to Maduro’s capture and that it plans to temporarily oversee the governance of the country to ensure a “safe transition.”
The 58-year-old opposition leader has long been recognized internationally for her struggle to bring democratic reforms to Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded her the 2025 Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, even as she faced intense pressure, threats, and the need to go underground.
Following news of Maduro’s capture, Machado told supporters that the moment for change has come, urging Venezuelans to stay organized and active as the country navigates this extraordinary moment. Her supporters see her potential return home as a symbol of hope after years of political repression and economic collapse under the Maduro regime.
But the path ahead is far from simple. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned Machado’s ability to lead Venezuela, saying she lacks sufficient support and respect within the country to take charge. Instead, Trump indicated that the United States is working with Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to manage the transition — a choice that surprised many given Rodríguez’s close ties to the old regime.
The situation on the ground in Caracas remains tense. Streets are quiet and uncertain after the strikes, with many residents unsure what comes next. Some fear further unrest as pro-regime forces and opposition supporters take stock of the sudden shift in power. International reactions have been sharply divided, with some world leaders condemning the U.S. action as a breach of sovereignty, even as others welcome the possibility of democratic change.
For Machado, the looming question isn’t just about her return — it’s about whether Venezuela can finally turn the page. She has repeatedly said she is ready to help rebuild her nation and restore freedoms long denied to ordinary Venezuelans. In doing so, she carries the hopes of millions who have dreamed of a new chapter for their homeland.
