US Officials Ask Machado to Delay Venezuela Return After Quakes, Trump Not Opposed

US officials urged Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to be patient about returning to Venezuela after recent earthquakes, Semafor reported July 1. The request followed two unsuccessful attempts by Machado to enter the country in late June. On or about June 24, US authorities who had initially approved her trip asked Machado to turn around, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Days later an airline declined to carry her, citing concern over possible repercussions from the Venezuelan government. Machado’s efforts created unease inside the Trump administration. ” Her presence could have disrupted the administration’s still-new arrangement with the Venezuelan government, Semafor reported.