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, oil industry management, export revenues, and foreign policy. This control stems from a phone call with Venezuela's interim president Delsi Rodriguez, in which Rubio gave her an ultimatum to cooperate with the US or face a broad American offensive. Rodriguez, formerly Nicolás Maduro's deputy, agreed to cooperate, establishing a close working relationship with Rubio, who communicates with her frequently via WhatsApp in Spanish.

Since Rodriguez assumed power six months ago, Rubio and his team have controlled Venezuela's finances, with the US Treasury managing most export income and dictating its use. This arrangement has helped reduce corruption and allowed the Venezuelan government to avoid billions in debt payments. Rubio also oversees sanctions enforcement, business dealings, and has restructured the oil sector to increase access for American companies. Rodriguez, in turn, channels important appointments through Rubio, including the defense minister.

The US interest in Venezuela largely revolves around its oil resources. Washington pressured Venezuela to replace European oil firms with American ones and secured the extradition of Venezuelan citizens wanted by the US Justice Department. In June, Rodriguez's government aided the US in eliminating a major crime figure linked to Venezuelan officials. Unusually, the Trump administration even controls Rodriguez's public appearances, requiring Rubio's approval for interviews and managing her social media posts.

Following recent earthquakes in Venezuela, the US deployed 900 troops and pledged nearly $400 million in aid, delivering cash directly to the Venezuelan government. However, many Venezuelans are disappointed that the Trump administration allowed Rodriguez and Maduro loyalists to remain in power amid economic turmoil and high inflation. Rubio previously supported opposition leader María Corina Machado, but relations cooled after the earthquakes when US officials declined to assist her return to Venezuela, fearing public unrest. The US appears focused on maximizing its control over Venezuela rather than facilitating a democratic transition.