Rubio’s remarks on television appeared aimed at alleviating fears that the US’s assertive actions for regime change might lead to protracted foreign intervention or failed nation-building efforts.
His comments contrasted with Trump’s broad and somewhat vague assertions that the US would temporarily “run” the oil-rich country, implying a governing structure where Caracas would be under Washington’s control.
In response, Rubio provided a more nuanced perspective, indicating that the US would maintain the enforcement of an oil quarantine already enacted on sanctioned tankers before Maduro’s removal from power early Saturday, using this leverage to encourage policy changes in Venezuela.
“And so that’s the sort of control the president is pointing to when he says that,” Rubio told CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “We continue with that quarantine, and we expect to see changes, not only in the management of the oil industry for the benefit of the people but also to curb drug trafficking.” The blockade on sanctioned oil tankers — some of which have been seized by the US — “hangs in the balance, providing significant leverage that will persist until we witness changes that not only align with the national interest of the United States, which is paramount, but also foster a brighter future for the Venezuelan people,” he continued.
Trump reaffirmed vow US would ‘run’ Venezuela
Trump’s repeated promise to “run” Venezuela, made more than six times at a press conference in Florida on Saturday, raised alarms among some Democrats.
It also provoked concern from segments of his Republican base, particularly an “America First” faction that opposes foreign interventions, as well as from those recalling previous nation-building attempts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rubio dismissed this criticism, stating that Trump’s intentions had been misinterpreted by a “foreign policy establishment” focused on the Middle East.
“The entire foreign policy apparatus believes everything is Libya, Iraq, or Afghanistan,” Rubio explained. “This is not the Middle East. Our mission here is quite distinct. This is the Western Hemisphere.” He also suggested that the US would allow Maduro’s subordinates, currently in control, time to govern, saying, “We will judge everything by their actions, and we shall see what they do.” While he did not exclude the possibility of a US military presence in Venezuela, Rubio noted that the current US “force posture” could effectively prevent drug boats and sanctioned tankers.
A day earlier, Trump informed reporters, “We’re going to run the country until it’s safe, proper, and judicious for a transition.” He later pointed to his national security team behind him, including Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, asserting that it would be managed for a period by “the people that are standing right behind me. We’re gonna be running it we’re gonna be bringing it back.” The White House opted not to comment further on Trump’s statements from Saturday.
Maduro’s arrival
Maduro arrived late Saturday afternoon at a small airport in New York City’s northern suburbs after a midnight operation that extracted him and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in a military base in Caracas—a move described by Maduro’s government as “imperialist.” The couple faces US charges linked to a narco-terrorism conspiracy.
The bold capture of the Maduros capped an intense pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Venezuela’s autocratic leader and followed months of clandestine planning, marking the most assertive US action for regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of the operation, which was conducted without congressional approval.
Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, demanded that the US release Maduro and labeled him the rightful leader as her nation’s high court appointed her as interim president.
After his arrival at the airport, Maduro was transported by helicopter to Manhattan, where a convoy of law enforcement vehicles, including an armored car, awaited to take him to a nearby US Drug Enforcement Administration office. A video shared on social media by a White House account depicted Maduro smiling while being escorted through that office by two DEA agents holding his arms.
He is scheduled to make his initial appearance Monday in federal court in Manhattan.
Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, and the Justice Department issued a new indictment on Saturday, characterizing his administration as a “corrupt, illegitimate government” supported by a drug-trafficking scheme that inundated the US with cocaine. The US government does not recognize Maduro as the country’s legitimate leader.
The Trump administration spent months bolstering American military forces in the region and executing assaults on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of transporting drugs. Last week, the CIA orchestrated a drone strike at a docking location suspected to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels—the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US campaign commenced in September.
Quiet descends in Venezuela following US operation
Venezuela’s capital felt unusually quiet on Sunday, with few vehicles in motion and numerous convenience stores, gas stations, and other businesses shuttered. A road typically bustling with runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts on Sundays only had a handful of individuals exercising a day after Maduro’s ousting.
The presidential palace was under the watch of armed civilians and military personnel. In a nearby plaza, only a street sweeper and a soldier were present, while across the street, a church remained closed for a second consecutive day.
Caracas resident David Leal found himself at the lot where he parks vehicles only to quickly recognize that he was unlikely to see any clients for a second day.
“People are still shaken,” remarked Leal, 77.
