The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, outlined the government’s strategy regarding Venezuela during an interview on “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan on January 4, 2026. The discussion followed recent comments from President Donald Trump asserting that the United States will maintain a strong presence until its demands are met, including all military options.
Rubio emphasized that the Venezuelan regime’s reliance on oil is critical to understanding U.S. actions. He described the country’s oil industry as outdated, with profits being siphoned off by corrupt officials rather than benefiting the Venezuelan people. He stated, “None of the money from the oil gets to the people. It’s all stolen by the people that are on the top there.” The Secretary mentioned ongoing sanctions aimed at crippling the regime’s revenue sources, asserting that the U.S. will continue to exert pressure until there are significant changes in Venezuela.
The conversation touched on the potential for further military action. While acknowledging the President’s right to act against imminent threats, Rubio clarified that there are currently no plans for a U.S. occupation. Instead, he pointed out that the U.S. has one of the largest naval deployments in modern history in the region, capable of enforcing economic sanctions against the Venezuelan government.
Brennan questioned the administration’s decision to leave key figures in the Maduro regime untouched despite their indictments, including Diosdado Cabello, a high-ranking official with a $25 million bounty on his head. Rubio defended the strategy, stating that capturing multiple figures simultaneously would have been impractical and that the administration prioritized arresting Maduro, whom they view as the top target.
The interview also explored the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government. Rubio reaffirmed that the U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president, stating that “60-something countries, the European Union, and many countries in Latin America don’t recognize him.” He highlighted the need for a transition in leadership, mentioning María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, who won the 2024 election according to U.S. policy.
Rubio expressed admiration for both Machado and González, but he was careful to frame the conversation around the practicalities of governance rather than political allegiances. He noted, “Our expectations remain the same, and we are going to judge whoever we’re interacting with moving forward by whether or not those conditions are met.”
When asked about a potential transition to democracy, Rubio acknowledged the long-standing influence of the Chavista system in Venezuela. He stated that it would take time to shift from this entrenched regime to a more democratic governance structure. “These things take time. There’s a process,” he explained, indicating that the U.S. would assess progress based on actions rather than promises.
Brennan raised concerns regarding the comments made by Trump’s former envoy to Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, who suggested that U.S. oil executives were negotiating a deal with the regime. Rubio rejected this assertion, emphasizing that the focus remains on stopping drug trafficking and ensuring that Venezuela’s oil resources are directed toward benefiting its citizens rather than corrupt elites.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, the U.S. administration remains committed to leveraging its influence to promote change, particularly regarding the nation’s vital oil industry, which Rubio argued is crucial for Venezuela’s future. He concluded, “Under the Trump administration, we are not going to have a country like Venezuela in our own hemisphere.”
