The federal trial of former U.S. Rep. David Rivera, accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela’s government, began Monday in Miami, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to testify about his interactions with his former roommate and political ally. Rivera is charged with leveraging Republican connections to influence U.S. policy toward Venezuela during the Trump administration.
Allegations of Covert Lobbying
Prosecutors allege Rivera was hired by Venezuelan officials to persuade the White House to soften its stance on President Nicolás Maduro’s socialist government. Rivera allegedly secured a $50 million lobbying contract through Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, and worked with Rep. Pete Sessions and a convicted Cali cartel associate to advance Maduro’s agenda.
‘Rivera viewed Rubio as a key ally in his outreach to the White House.’
Rubio’s Role Under Scrutiny
Rubio, who is not accused of wrongdoing, is expected to testify about meetings with Rivera during the alleged lobbying campaign. Prosecutors claim Rivera sought Rubio’s assistance in building U.S. support for normalizing relations with Venezuela, a goal that ultimately failed at the time.
Rivera’s defense argues his consulting work was legitimate and focused on positioning Venezuelan-owned Citgo in the U.S. energy market. However, plaintiffs in a parallel civil case allege Rivera used the contract as cover for illegal lobbying and siphoned funds for personal gain, including payments for maintaining a luxury yacht.
The trial highlights Miami’s role as a hub for foreign influence campaigns and raises questions about the integrity of U.S. policymaking in Latin America.