Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, in exile since secretly departing in December 2025, has repeatedly signaled plans to return before the end of 2026, with her most recent push tied to the June 2026 earthquakes that killed over 1,400 people. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s government has blocked entry attempts, citing the absence of a valid passport and required authorization, while accusing authorities of closing airspace and threatening carriers. U.S. officials under President Trump have urged delay to avoid political confrontation or distraction from relief efforts, despite Machado’s outreach for support. These barriers, alongside Rodríguez’s interim role following Nicolás Maduro’s capture, shape trader assessments of legal versus unauthorized entry routes and timing.