Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, has issued a warning to opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been in exile due to fears of retaliation from the Venezuelan government. In a forthcoming interview with NBC News, Rodríguez stated that if Machado returns to Venezuela, she will have to explain her support for US intervention, which includes backing the military action that led to the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro. This statement indicates a tough stance by the Venezuelan government towards dissenting voices who oppose its authority.

Rodríguez expressed confusion regarding the safety concerns surrounding Machado's potential return, implying that the former leader should not be surprised by the scrutiny she faces due to her controversial political actions. This scenario creates a significant political landscape in Venezuela, showing the ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition, especially after the recent events that led to the arrest of Maduro and his wife. The situation raises questions about the future of political discourse and the risks involved for opposition figures in a country already polarized by years of conflict.

The backdrop for Rodríguez's comments is a Venezuela that has experienced severe political turmoil and division, particularly between those loyal to the now-captured Maduro and those advocating for a different political direction. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is seen by many as a symbol of the opposition movement but also faces serious accusations from the government regarding her international engagements that sought to intervene in Venezuelan affairs. The implications of Rodríguez's statements could be significant in shaping public perception and the political narrative moving forward, as the government seeks to regain control and challenge opposition figures who have taken refuge abroad.