State Department: María Corina Machado's return is not a priority after the earthquakes

According to NTN24, the State Department replied that the Trump administration is focused on the earthquake response, after María Corina Machado said from Panama that an airspace blockade was keeping her from returning. On Friday, according to Infobae, Machado told correspondents her presence "stabilizes" the country and that Venezuela is a "failed state".

Patricia Poleo said Washington sees opportunism in the return attempt and that, according to chargé d'affaires John Barrett, the transition process continues despite the earthquakes. David Placeres said the relationship between Machado and the White House "has deteriorated".

«Adding sensitive political issues to the situation at this time is counterproductive to our response efforts after this tragedy.»— State Department (quoted by NTN24), July 2, 2026 · watch

«Donald Trump's government considers it opportunism… to want to return in the middle of the earthquake tragedy.»— Patricia Poleo, July 2, 2026 · watch