Venezuela needs earthquake rescue, not Machado's return. Here's what to know | Opinion

Twin earthquakes have killed more than 3,300 people in Venezuela, and U.S. rescue teams are on the ground searching for survivors. Opinion columnist Mary Anna Mancuso argues that exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado’s push to return home shouldn’t distract from the humanitarian mission.

FULL STORY: U.S. is right to prioritize Venezuela earthquake rescue, not Machado’s return | Opinion

Here are key takeaways:

• Twin earthquakes have killed more than 3,300 people in Venezuela, with thousands injured and many still trapped under collapsed buildings in Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding states. Rescue teams from Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami are among the American crews searching for survivors.
• Machado told Fox News she plans to return to Venezuela, calling it her duty to accompany her people. She has reportedly asked U.S. officials to help facilitate that return.
• A White House official told Reuters that Machado’s outreach has frustrated senior Trump administration officials. “We support her returning to Venezuela, but does it have to be 24 hours after a massive humanitarian catastrophe where the death toll continues to climb?” the official said.
• The State Department has allocated $150 million in emergency aid, deployed search-and-rescue teams and coordinated medical and military logistics support.
• Mancuso argues Machado should instead use her influence with U.S. officials to press for more rescue resources, humanitarian aid and rebuilding assistance — and return home once the country is no longer digging through rubble.

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