María Corina Machado remains outside Venezuela in exile as of late August 2026, following failed attempts to reenter after the January 2026 U.S. detention of Nicolás Maduro and amid the opposition's push for a transition under acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Multiple meetings with U.S. officials, including Trump, in early 2026 centered on coordinating her return, yet subsequent efforts—particularly after June earthquakes—were blocked by Venezuelan authorities, airlines, and reported U.S. concerns over timing and stability. Machado has publicly vowed to return before year-end to aid recovery and pursue another presidential bid, while the opposition cites electoral claims from 2024 and her Nobel recognition as key drivers. Upcoming factors include any shifts in U.S.-Venezuela coordination, humanitarian needs, or political negotiations that could enable or delay entry.