Marco Rubio Emerges as Key Power Broker in Venezuela Amid US Influence

A New York Times investigation reveals that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become the most influential figure in Venezuela's political and economic affairs in recent months. According to over ten sources from the US and Venezuela, Rubio oversees critical power centers in the country, including American sanctions enforcement, business permissions, and the oil sector. He exerts significant economic leverage by controlling Venezuela's export revenues, which are first routed through the US Treasury before reaching the Venezuelan government, with Rubio and his team deciding their allocation and beneficiaries.

The report also claims that senior Venezuelan appointments, including the defense minister, require Rubio's involvement, with President Delcy Rodriguez reportedly channeling sensitive nominations through him. Washington has promoted the expansion of American oil companies in Venezuela at the expense of European firms. The investigation highlights an unusual personal relationship between Rubio and Rodriguez, who regularly communicate in Spanish via WhatsApp, exchanging state matters alongside selfies and gossip.

US influence extends to managing Rodriguez's public appearances, with Rubio announcing her planned India visit before Venezuela's government did. When Fox News sought an interview with Rodriguez, she responded that former President Trump would need to approve it. Additionally, a Venezuelan foreign ministry statement condemning a US strike in Iran was reportedly deleted following US government pressure.

The Trump administration also pressured Venezuela to extradite citizens wanted in the US and assisted in eliminating a crime boss linked to regime officials in June. After recent earthquakes, the US deployed 900 troops to Venezuela, pledged nearly $400 million in aid, and provided direct cash transfers to the government. Despite these cooperative efforts, many Venezuelans expressed disappointment that the Trump administration left Rodriguez and Maduro's top officials in power amid ongoing economic crisis and inflation, while millions demand new elections.

Rubio, who previously supported exiled opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has distanced himself from her recently. Following the earthquakes, US officials declined to assist her return to Venezuela, fearing it could destabilize the country.