Since Machado managed to leave the country to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo at the end of 2025, Venezuela has not allowed her to return. According to her party, she has tried to return at least seven times.
When she was elected leader of Venezuela's unified opposition groups in October, pressure increased on the regime in Caracas to allow her to return.
In January 2026, the United States captured and deposed Venezuela's long-time president, Nicolás Maduro.
His then-vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, was allowed to remain in office and serve as interim leader, a role she has held ever since.