Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified Tuesday in the trial of former Miami congressman David Rivera, who is accused of illegally lobbying U.S. officials on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Rivera, a Republican and former roommate of Rubio, was arrested in December 2022 on charges of money laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent.
The Case Against Rivera
Prosecutors allege Rivera was part of a scheme to lobby U.S. officials to reduce tensions with Venezuela, resolve a legal dispute with Exxon Mobil, and lift U.S. sanctions against the South American nation. Rivera reportedly signed a $50 million consulting contract with Venezuela's socialist government. His defense claims the contract was with an American subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, exempting him from foreign agent registration requirements.
'This case is about two things: greed and betrayal,' prosecutor Roger Cruz said during opening statements.
Rubio's Testimony
Rubio testified that Rivera, whom he described as a close friend, approached him in 2017 with a plan to persuade Maduro to step aside. Although skeptical, Rubio said he was open to informing the White House if there was any chance the plan was legitimate. He later delivered a Senate speech using talking points provided by Rivera, signaling the U.S. would not retaliate against Venezuelan government insiders who worked to remove Maduro.
The trial continues as prosecutors aim to prove Rivera's involvement in a covert lobbying effort on behalf of Venezuela's government, raising questions about foreign influence and compliance with U.S. law.