US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Exercises De Facto Control Over Venezuela's Government

According to a New York Times investigation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become the de facto ruler of Venezuela, overseeing key aspects of the country's governance from New York. Rubio exerts significant influence over Venezuela's daily administration, including senior appointments, the oil industry, export revenues, and foreign policy. This control stems from a phone call with Venezuela's interim president Delsi Rodriguez, in which Rubio presented her with a stark choice: cooperate with the US or face a broad American attack. Rodriguez agreed to collaborate, leading to a close working relationship between the two, including frequent WhatsApp communications in Spanish that mix official matters with informal exchanges.

Since Rodriguez assumed power six months ago, Rubio and his team have managed Venezuela's finances, controlling export income through the US Treasury and dictating how funds are allocated and used. This arrangement has helped reduce corruption and allowed Venezuela to avoid billions in debt payments. Rubio also oversees sanctions enforcement, determines who can conduct business in Venezuela, and has restructured the oil sector to increase access for American companies. Rodriguez, in turn, channels important appointments, such as the defense minister, through Rubio's influence.

The US interest in Venezuela largely revolves around its oil resources. The Trump administration pressured Venezuela to replace European oil companies with American ones and secured the extradition of Venezuelan citizens wanted by the US Department of Justice. In June, Rodriguez's government assisted the US in eliminating a crime boss linked to Venezuelan officials. Unusually, Rubio even controls Rodriguez's public appearances, including approving her international trips and media interviews.

Rubio's efforts to stabilize Venezuela's economy and transition it to democracy have been complicated by recent earthquakes and domestic unrest. The US deployed 900 troops to Venezuela, pledged nearly $400 million in aid, and provided direct cash transfers to the Venezuelan government. However, many Venezuelans are disappointed that the Trump administration has allowed Rodriguez and Maduro loyalists to remain in power amid ongoing economic hardship and hyperinflation. The US has also distanced itself from opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, once a favored figure, due to concerns that her return could provoke instability.

Rubio's unprecedented control over Venezuela marks a new chapter in US involvement, effectively making him the country's governor from abroad while navigating complex political and economic challenges.