Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced tough questions in a Senate hearing about the U.S. military operation that removed former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Lawmakers wanted to know what the next steps would be for Venezuela and the role the U.S. would continue to play in the region.
Rubio dismissed claims that the U.S. is at war with Venezuela. He described the operation as a limited law-enforcement action, not a military takeover. “There are no U.S. troops on the ground,” he stated, aiming to downplay the situation.
While Republicans on the committee praised the operation, Democrats voiced serious concerns. Senator Jim Risch, a Republican, described the mission as a quick and successful raid, noting there were no American casualties. In contrast, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, questioned whether the efforts were worth it. She mentioned that the military action and a naval blockade around Venezuela could cost taxpayers up to $1 billion, yet Maduro still remains in power.
Critics also expressed skepticism about Venezuela’s new interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez. Some senators pointed out her alleged ties to the drug trade and questioned if replacing Maduro with another authoritarian figure was a real solution.
Rubio countered these concerns by saying that while Rodríguez may not be perfect, the priority is stability. He acknowledged that the U.S. must work with current leaders, even those they don’t fully trust.
The hearing also revealed issues around Venezuela’s oil industry. Reports suggested that the U.S. awarded no-bid licenses to companies for selling Venezuelan oil, raising eyebrows for their connections to Trump’s donors. Another senator remarked that the situation looked suspicious to many Americans.
Rubio defended the sale of oil through these companies as a way to manage Venezuela’s declining oil storage capacity. He emphasized that the aim is long-term stability and a normal energy program for the country.
While most Republicans backed the administration’s actions, Senator Rand Paul raised concerns about the legal implications and potential precedents set by the operation. Rubio insisted the raid was lawful, arguing it was vital to disrupt what he termed a “criminal state.”
Rubio warned that U.S. patience is limited, hinting at possible escalations if the Venezuelan government does not cooperate. “We are prepared to use force if other methods fail,” he declared.
Throughout the hearing, senators pushed Rubio for clear metrics to measure success and a defined timeline for a democratic transition in Venezuela. “You don’t just put this in a microwave,” Rubio noted, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
Overall, the hearing highlighted the divided opinions regarding U.S. involvement in Venezuela and the strategies to promote stability and democracy in the region. The discussion continues as many seek greater clarity on long-term objectives.
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