Here’s a bombshell: Despite the U.S. capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists there’s no war against Venezuela. But here’s where it gets controversial—Rubio claims the U.S. is merely ‘running policy,’ not deploying troops, but instead wielding financial power against Maduro’s remaining allies. Is this a subtle form of control, or a necessary strategic move?
In a recent interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Rubio—who also serves as President Trump’s interim national security adviser—explained that the U.S. aims to steer Venezuela in a direction it deems beneficial, both for Venezuelans and U.S. national interests. He highlighted the use of an ‘oil quarantine’ enforced by U.S. naval vessels off Venezuela’s coast as a key tool. ‘Our military is supporting the Coast Guard in law enforcement,’ Rubio said, ‘which includes capturing Maduro and enforcing sanctions. This gives us tremendous leverage, and we plan to use it until we see the changes we want.’
Since September, U.S. forces have targeted at least 35 suspected drug-smuggling boats, resulting in over 115 deaths, and seized oil tankers near Venezuela. These actions provide the first clear insight into U.S. policy toward Venezuela following the weekend raid that captured Maduro and Trump’s bold declaration that the U.S. will ‘run’ the country.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) echoed Rubio’s stance, calling for intensified pressure on Maduro’s allies, specifically interim President Delcy Rodríguez. ‘They control the military and security services,’ Cotton told CNN. ‘We have to address that reality.’ Meanwhile, Trump warned Rodríguez would face severe consequences if she doesn’t cooperate, despite earlier claims she supported U.S. plans.
But this is the part most people miss: The Trump administration’s actions are already sparking domestic backlash, particularly from congressional Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) slammed Trump for bypassing Congress to authorize the military operation. ‘They bombed civilian and military sites in Venezuela without congressional approval,’ Schumer said. ‘That’s a clear violation of the law.’ He plans to introduce a war powers resolution this week to curb Trump’s ability to act unilaterally in Venezuela. If passed, the president would need congressional approval for further actions.
Interestingly, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is the only Republican publicly backing the resolution so far. Unlike other measures, this one requires only a simple majority in the Senate, meaning just three more GOP votes could advance it. Whether it gains broader Republican support remains uncertain.
Here’s the burning question: Is the U.S. overstepping its bounds by exerting such control over Venezuela’s future, or is this a justified move to stabilize a troubled nation? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the administration’s approach, or is this a dangerous precedent?
