According to reports, Marco Rubio, a prominent figure in the U.S. government, has assumed control over the finances, distribution of natural resources, and governance of Venezuela. This development follows a military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, positioning Rubio as the de facto leader of this South American nation.
Since this significant event, Rubio’s influence has reached unprecedented levels, reminiscent of L. Paul Bremer III’s role in post-invasion Iraq in 2003. Although he has not physically visited Venezuela, Rubio remains deeply involved in the daily operations of the country, maintaining a close relationship with Delcy Rodriguez, the interim president endorsed by the U.S.
Reports indicate that the two communicate regularly via WhatsApp, sharing personal messages and updates. However, their connection does not reflect a partnership, but rather an embodiment of U.S. power during the Trump administration, often disregarding issues of sovereignty and international law.
Control of Venezuela’s Revenue by Marco Rubio
What sets Washington’s influence in Venezuela apart from its involvement in other nations is the direct control over the country’s public revenues. The U.S. Treasury receives income from most of Venezuela’s exports and gradually redistributes these funds through private banks within the country. The conditions for spending these funds are determined by Rubio and his team.
This system has some advantages; it has enabled Rubio to disrupt corruption schemes in Venezuela while allowing the local government to secure income without facing numerous creditors demanding repayment of billions in debt. However, this arrangement also provides Rubio with considerable leverage over Rodriguez, who relies on these funds to pay workers and stabilize the national currency.
Significant ministerial appointments made by Rodriguez, such as those in the defense ministry, also require Rubio’s approval.
Trump’s Objective: Venezuelan Oil
Recent devastating earthquakes have complicated Rubio’s stated mission of restoring democracy in Venezuela. However, the country’s ability to recover is crucial for Trump’s ultimate goal: securing Venezuelan oil for U.S. interests. Following the earthquakes, the U.S. Secretary of State has worked to bolster Venezuela’s interim government by deploying 900 troops and committing $400 million in aid, alongside cash supplies for the Caracas government.
Critics of Trump accuse his administration of siphoning Venezuela’s resources while supporting an authoritarian regime, leaving many of Maduro’s associates in power. During a congressional hearing, Democratic Congressman Sean Casten questioned the authority of the U.S. to control Venezuelan assets, to which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promised to follow up later.
