On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made significant remarks regarding the United States' approach to Venezuela, clarifying the administration's stance following President Trump's controversial assertion that the U.S. would “run” the country. During his appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Rubio emphasized that the focus would not be on direct governance but rather on maintaining a military “quarantine” on Venezuela’s oil exports. This strategy aims to exert pressure on the current regime.
When pressed on how the United States would govern Venezuela, Rubio refrained from detailing any plans for a U.S. occupation similar to the one established during the Iraq War under President George W. Bush. Instead, he highlighted the goal of coercing a Venezuelan government led by allies of the imprisoned leader Nicolás Maduro to implement necessary policy changes. This approach underscores the U.S. commitment to influencing Venezuelan leadership without direct intervention.
Rubio articulated that U.S. forces would persist in preventing oil tankers listed under U.S. sanctions from entering or leaving Venezuela. This strategy remains in effect until the Maduro regime opens the state-controlled oil industry to foreign investment, with a clear preference for American companies. “That remains in place, and that’s a tremendous amount of leverage that will continue to be in place until we see changes,” Rubio stated, emphasizing the dual goal of advancing U.S. national interests while also fostering a better future for the Venezuelan populace.
In a subsequent interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Rubio expressed frustration over the media's focus on Trump’s earlier comments. He clarified that the U.S. is not seeking to “run” Venezuela in the traditional sense but is instead focused on shaping policy decisions. “It’s not running — it’s running policy, the policy with regards to this,” he explained, attempting to redirect the narrative towards the administration’s strategic objectives.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent statements reveal a deliberate shift in the U.S. approach to Venezuela, moving away from direct governance towards a strategy centered on leveraging economic sanctions and military presence to influence the Maduro regime. This nuanced policy aims not only to protect U.S. interests but also to promote a more favorable environment for the people of Venezuela.