US Secretary Marco Rubio Controls Venezuela's Finances and Governance from Washington

According to an investigative report by The New York Times, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is effectively managing Venezuela's government and finances remotely from his office in Washington, D.C. Rubio, fluent in Spanish, oversees the country's financial system, natural resource distribution, and daily administration of local institutions without being physically present in Caracas. This unprecedented American control began about six months ago after US commando forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a nighttime raid. Since then, Rubio has maintained daily communication in Spanish via WhatsApp with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former deputy who now leads Venezuela with US backing.

The US Treasury Department centralizes all revenues from Venezuela's oil exports and other goods, allocating budgets under Rubio's supervision to prevent corruption and protect the local government from international creditors. However, this arrangement leaves Rodríguez entirely dependent on the US for paying government salaries. American influence extends to approving senior appointments, licensing foreign energy companies, and closely monitoring Venezuela's foreign policy and public appearances.

At Washington's request, Venezuela's Foreign Ministry removed statements condemning a US attack on Iran and handed over billionaire Alex Saab, a Maduro associate, to US authorities. Following two severe earthquakes last month, the US deployed 900 troops, sent cash shipments, and pledged nearly $400 million in aid. Although natural disasters delayed Rubio's plan for a democratic transition, rebuilding Venezuela remains crucial to President Donald Trump's goal of securing the country's oil reserves.

Trump publicly praised the current Venezuelan leadership, stating that "Delcy Rodríguez, who is the president of Venezuela, is doing an excellent job and works very well with US representatives." Meanwhile, calls for new elections in Venezuela are growing, but when asked about a possible election date, Rodríguez replied, "I don't know. Someday."