Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado vowed to return to Venezuela and rejected the authority of Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president backed by the U.S. following the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking to Fox News from an undisclosed location, Machado stated her movement was prepared to win a free election.

Machado praised Donald Trump for his role in Maduro's detention on Saturday. The former president's backing of Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice-president, surprised many who anticipated Machado would assume leadership after Maduro's removal. "I'm planning to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible," Machado said in the interview, adding, "We believe that this transition should move forward. We won an election in 2024."

The U.S. government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Machado's rejection of Rodríguez's interim presidency. The circumstances surrounding Maduro's removal and Rodríguez's subsequent appointment remain unclear.

The situation follows a period of intense political and economic instability in Venezuela. Maduro's presidency was marked by widespread protests, accusations of human rights abuses, and a severe economic crisis that led to mass emigration. The 2024 election, which Machado referenced, was widely disputed, with international observers citing irregularities.

The current political landscape presents several challenges. Machado's return to Venezuela could galvanize opposition support but also risks further instability. The U.S. backing of Rodríguez aims to ensure a smooth transition, but it has alienated some within the Venezuelan opposition. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, with the potential for further political upheaval.