As the world reacts to US President Donald Trump’s claim that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has been “captured,” attention has shifted to one key figure, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has long opposed Maduro’s rule and openly backed tough US action against his government. Now, with Venezuela facing uncertainty, her role is once again under global focus.
Who Is Maria Corina Machado?
Maria Corina Machado is Venezuela’s most prominent opposition leader. She became a global figure after winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her campaign against authoritarian rule.
She has openly challenged Nicolas Maduro for years. Her movement gained strong support inside Venezuela despite intense government pressure. Machado has remained vocal even while facing threats, surveillance, and long periods in hiding.
Where Is Maria Corina Machado Now?
Machado is believed to be in Oslo, Norway, as she traveled there last month to receive her Nobel Peace Prize. The journey marked her first public appearance after more than a year underground in Venezuela.
Her escape was dramatic, and it involved disguises, rough seas, boats, and a flight out of the country.
How Did Maria Corina Machado Escape Venezuela?
A US-based rescue team helped her leave. Bryan Stern, a former US special forces member, said he led the operation, and he described the mission as dangerous and exhausting.
“The seas are very rough. It’s pitch black. We’re using flashlights to communicate. This is very scary; lots of things can go wrong.” He said Machado stayed calm throughout the journey.
Machado has not reacted publicly to Trump’s claim of Maduro’s capture so far. However, her past statements show strong support for Trump’s actions. She once said she was “absolutely” in favor of a tougher US stance against Maduro.
“We, the Venezuelan people, are very grateful to him and to his administration, because I believe he is a champion of freedom in this hemisphere.” She also urged the US to intervene after receiving the Nobel Prize.
Why Venezuela’s Power Struggle Is Far From Over
Maduro’s government has relied heavily on military and political loyalists, and even if he faces trial abroad, these groups still hold power inside Venezuela.
Machado has public support, but she lacks control over security forces, and that gap could lead to instability, protests, or even internal conflict.
