In a surprising turn of events, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the United States is guiding the direction of the current situation in Venezuela, following the recent arrest and ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. This bold assertion came during an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” where Rubio echoed sentiments expressed by President Trump, who emphasized that the U.S. intends to oversee Venezuela after Maduro’s removal.
Rubio clarified that while the U.S. is not directly managing Venezuela, it is significantly influencing the trajectory of the country’s situation. The U.S. has implemented a quarantine on Venezuelan oil, which Rubio claims effectively restricts the country’s economic progression until certain conditions—conducive to both U.S. and Venezuelan interests—are met.
When pressed about the extent of U.S. control, Rubio highlighted that the leverage comes from maintaining the oil quarantine and conducting operations to seize sanctioned vessels headed toward Venezuela. He underscored that Maduro’s regime lacks legitimacy, citing the absence of valid elections, and indicated that Delcy Rodríguez, the Venezuelan Vice President, will not be recognized by the U.S. administration.
Rubio noted the administration’s proactive stance, stating that all options remain on the table post-raid. He addressed concerns regarding the legality of the operation, arguing that congressional approval was unnecessary for what he described as a non-invasion operation. He justified the decision to involve the Department of War by citing the need for secrecy and the emergent nature of the situation.
Rubio also distanced himself from discussions surrounding President Trump’s pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who has faced drug trafficking charges similar to those alleged against Maduro. He stated that his focus lies predominantly on national security matters, while the administration’s pardon decisions rest solely with the President.
This development marks a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, and as the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see how the U.S. navigates its involvement in Venezuelan affairs. The hope remains that a resolution can be achieved that leads to democratic elections and stability in Venezuela, prioritizing the welfare of its citizens amidst such turmoil.