María Corina Machado at Heritage Foundation: 'Venezuela is at the edge of freedom,' says transition needs dismantling of repressive structures

María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition figure, told reporters at the Heritage Foundation that "we are at the edge of freedom" after what she called a "new milestone" on Jan. 3, 2026, and said the first steps now are to dismantle the regime's repressive structures before truly free elections can be held.

Machado said she came to Washington "in representation of the people of Venezuela" and described meetings with U.S. officials, including a private meeting with President Donald Trump. "I will not disclose the details of private conversations," she said, but added that she pressed for a speedy and safe return to Venezuela for herself and for other exiled leaders. "I insisted on my desire to return to Venezuela as soon as possible," Machado said.

Why it matters: Machado framed the U.S. role as decisive in recent developments and identified securing guarantees for freed prisoners, ending torture centers and restoring press and civic freedoms as immediate priorities before elections can be credible. She repeatedly warned that formal guarantees and institutional re‑establishment are necessary to ensure returns and trustworthy balloting.

On timing and constitutional questions, Machado declined to give a firm calendar. Asked about constitutional requirements for an election within 30 days, she said Venezuela currently lacks rule of law and that the constitution is not being respected. She cited international assessments in describing the legal and institutional gaps: "We are ranked 142 out of 142 countries on rule of law evaluations," Machado said, referencing the World Justice Project ranking she cited in the session.

On political prisoners and human costs, Machado said some detainees have been released but cautioned that release does not equal freedom: many freed people remain unable to speak to the press or travel. She told reporters that counts are still changing and that the number of people recently released remains incomplete. "Some people were released and then registered," she said, adding that families still report disappearances and unresolved detentions.

Machado also recounted a personal, hazardous sea crossing during her departure from Venezuela, describing high waves and loss of satellite communications. She called survival of that trip "a miracle" and thanked those who risked their lives to facilitate her exit.

On cooperation with figures from the Maduro government, Machado said segments of the current power structure may be "complying with orders," and urged caution about accepting commitments without verification. When asked whether close U.S. cooperation with Delcy Rodríguez could entrench the regime, Machado acknowledged reporters' concerns and recalled 17 prior attempts at negotiation that she said the regime used to buy time and legitimacy.

Machado offered specific allegations about the regime's conduct, including large transfers of Venezuelan resources abroad; at one point she cited a figure she attributed to past transfers of oil to Cuba. Those figures and other factual claims were presented as her assertions to the press during the event.

The press session included questions from multiple outlets, including Telemundo, Bloomberg, BPI, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press. Machado said she will have additional meetings in Washington and other cities and reiterated that building the practical conditions for free and fair elections — ending repression, guaranteeing civil liberties and securing citizen participation — is the central next step.

There were no formal votes or decisions at the event; it was a question-and-answer press conference. Machado closed by thanking attendees and saying she hopes to return to Venezuela "as soon as possible."