Marco Rubio detailed specific American requirements for Venezuela’s interim government during Senate testimony Wednesday, including immediate cessation of subsidized oil exports to Cuba, privileged access for United States energy companies, and mandatory purchases of American goods using petroleum revenue. The disclosure came as he defended President Trump’s military operation to remove Nicolas Maduro from power.
The Secretary explained that Venezuela would soon regain authorization to sell oil currently blocked by sanctions, but all revenue would flow through Treasury-controlled accounts. Monthly budgets submitted by Caracas must receive American approval before funds are released for essential government services including law enforcement and healthcare. This arrangement grants Washington unprecedented oversight of Venezuelan governmental operations and spending priorities.
Rubio faced challenging questions from Senator Cory Booker about collaborating with former Maduro regime members now controlling the interim government, particularly acting president Delcy Rodriguez. He defended the pragmatic necessity of engaging existing governmental structures while pursuing longer-term democratic reforms. The Secretary emphasized American leverage through economic controls and suggested interim authorities understand compliance brings tangible benefits.
Neither Rodriguez nor her government’s press office immediately commented on Rubio’s characterizations, though she stated Tuesday that respectful communication channels have been established with Washington. So far, she has appeared willing to accept Trump’s demands and has begun releasing prisoners jailed under Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, suggesting initial cooperation with American requirements.
The State Department announced intentions to send additional diplomatic personnel to Caracas to prepare for potential embassy reopening, which shuttered in 2019. However, fully normalizing relations would require revoking recognition of the Venezuelan parliament elected in 2015 as the legitimate government. Rubio suggested this process would unfold gradually as interim authorities demonstrate sustained cooperation and movement toward democratic elections.