Marco Rubio Takes On Extraordinary Role In Venezuela

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is effectively running key parts of Venezuela from Washington, according to a New York Times report. 

The Times reported that Rubio has taken a leading role in shaping Venezuela policy, including overseeing sanctions, influencing how the country’s oil revenue is managed, and maintaining regular contact with acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez following the U.S. operation that captured former dictator Nicolás Maduro.

According to the Times, much of Venezuela’s oil export revenue now flows through the U.S. Treasury before being disbursed under conditions set by Rubio and his team. The report says Rubio has also played a key role in determining which foreign companies receive sanctions exemptions to operate in the country while encouraging greater participation by American firms.

The Times also reported that Rubio has used that leverage to push Venezuela away from Iran, China, and Russia. According to the report, Rodríguez regularly consults Washington on major government appointments while Rubio’s team helps shape economic and diplomatic decisions.

The report provides additional context for testimony Rubio gave before Congress in January, when he argued the administration’s efforts were aimed at stabilizing Venezuela rather than occupying it.

“There is no war against Venezuela, and we did not occupy a country,” Rubio told senators. “There are no U.S. troops on the ground.”

The administration named career diplomat Laura F. Dogu as chargé d’affaires to Venezuela, restoring a diplomatic post for the first time since 2019. For the first time in two decades, he added, serious talks are underway to roll back Iranian, Chinese, and Russian influence in the country.

Rubio has said the administration’s long-term goal is a stable and prosperous Venezuela that eventually holds free elections. The Times reported that, for now, Rubio continues to exercise significant influence over many of Venezuela’s most consequential financial and policy decisions.