Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, along with other leading Republicans, quickly moved away from Donald Trump’s statement that the US would take control of Venezuela following a military operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the US to face federal charges.
Rubio appeared on several political talk shows on Sunday morning to defend the recent US mission that took place early Saturday to apprehend Maduro and his wife. Critics have labeled this action illegal on many fronts, while the White House has not clarified how it intends to govern the South American country.
Throughout various appearances, Rubio was repeatedly pressed for confirmation about whether the US intended to run Venezuela.
On ABC, Rubio claimed that the US had “leverage” over Venezuela and added: “We expect that it’s going to lead to results here. We’re hope so … hopeful that it does. Positive results. For the people of Venezuela, but ultimately, most importantly, for us, in the national interests of the United States.”
He went on to say that the US would “set the conditions” so that Venezuela no longer functions as a “narco-trafficking paradise” aligned with adversaries like Iran and militant groups such as Hezbollah.
ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos followed up by asking: “What is the legal authority for the United States to be running Venezuela?”
Rubio replied: “I explained to you what our goals are and how we’re going to use the leverage to make it happen.”
The day before, Trump spoke at a press conference in Florida shortly after military strikes and operations in Caracas and other areas in Venezuela. He stated that the US would manage Venezuela “with a group” and would be “designating various people” in charge while indicating Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of Joint Chiefs Dan Caine who were behind him.
Trump also mentioned Maduro’s vice-president Delcy Rodríguez-now seen as interim president by some Venezuelan leaders-had contacted Rubio stating she’d comply with whatever was needed; Trump added: “She really doesn’t have a choice.” Rodríguez later appeared on Venezuelan state television expressing strong opposition against US actions and asserting her country “will never again be anyone’s colony.”
Rubio told CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday morning that actions speak louder than words; he emphasized it’s too early to know how Venezuelan leaders will respond after such bold moves by the US or whether they’ll follow through with plans regarding drug trafficking or oil management.
“We are going to make our assessment based on what they do, not what they say publicly. We’re going to find out. Do I know what decisions they’re going to make? I do not. But I know if they don’t make appropriate choices then the United States will retain multiple levers of influence ensuring our interests are protected including an oil quarantine currently in effect among other things … we’re going to see what they do.”
Additionally, Rubio told NBC that there’s no war happening in Venezuela right now nor any deployed US forces there.
In response when anchor Kristen Welker asked if he or others indicated by Trump would actually be overseeing transitions in Venezuela during this time period, Rubio said: “Well, it’s running policy … we want Venezuela to move in a certain direction.”
Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas and chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee also downplayed Trump’s claims saying there remain “a lot of questions” regarding future actions in Venezuela.
When asked who is currently managing affairs there he responded: “Who is not running Venezuela is Maduro.”
Cotton noted Rubio has been talking with both Venezuelan officials and opposition members about possible transition government structures.. adding whether post-Maduro leadership will permit opposition parties back into political discussions remains uncertain.
Trump dismissed current opposition led by recent Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado-who’s now living abroad-saying she lacks enough support within Venezuela without clarifying if he meant popular backing from citizens or military personnel.
Meanwhile on Sunday Trump warned Rodríguez stating “if she doesn’t do what’s right she is going pay a very big price probably bigger than Maduro.”
In an interview over phone with Atlantic magazine Trump seemed willing acknowledge desires about regime change which Democrats insist were clearly denied before – referring directly towards aspirations tied into rebuilding efforts post-conflict.“You know rebuilding there and regime change anything you want call it better than current situation Can’t get any worse,” said Trump.’
Cotton noted Rodriguez isn’t recognized as legitimate leader anymore claiming everybody knows Maduro lost 2024 elections but still maintains power regardless.
He further remarked , ” New leaders need meet our demands,” mentioning key points like stopping drug trafficking expelling radical elements like Cubans Iranians etc.”
Senator Jim Jordan representing Ohio & chairing judiciary committee could also provide clarity around running status either ; responding when queried during CNN interview , ” No idea exactly where stand ” next steps remain uncertain simply adding : ” We’ll see ” looking ahead. ”.
Despite Congressional checks executive powers related controversial interventions Jordan expressed trust their abilities decision-making processes highlighting faith U. S military effectiveness..
Meanwhile Democratic Congressman Jim Himes accused GOP Congress lack oversight responsibilities regarding White House intervention condemning situation labeling imperialistic venture altogether.
Earlier appearing CBS network Rubios remarks focused discussing ongoing situation emphasizing existing regimes reluctance removing more influential figures surrounding maduro leadership structure. Commenting upon operations conducted previously which drew criticisms already saying : “You’re gonna go suck five people?” In conclusion suggested capturing highest priority first represents pragmatic approach towards resolving matter effectively!
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Cotton noted Rodriguez isn’t recognized as legitimate leader anymore claiming everybody knows Maduro lost 2024 elections but still maintains power regardless.
He further remarked , ” New leaders need meet our demands,” mentioning key points like stopping drug trafficking expelling radical elements like Cubans Iranians etc.”
Senator Jim Jordan representing Ohio & chairing judiciary committee could also provide clarity around running status either ; responding when queried during CNN interview , ” No idea exactly where stand ” next steps remain uncertain simply adding : ” We’ll see ” looking ahead. ”.
Despite Congressional checks executive powers related controversial interventions Jordan expressed trust their abilities decision-making processes highlighting faith U. S military effectiveness..
Meanwhile Democratic Congressman Jim Himes accused GOP Congress lack oversight responsibilities regarding White House intervention condemning situation labeling imperialistic venture altogether.
Earlier appearing CBS network Rubios remarks focused discussing ongoing situation emphasizing existing regimes reluctance removing more influential figures surrounding maduro leadership structure. Commenting upon operations conducted previously which drew criticisms already saying : “You’re gonna go suck five people?” In conclusion suggested capturing highest priority first represents pragmatic approach towards resolving matter effectively!
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