Marco Rubio governs Venezuela like a colony, sparking fears of lost democracy

In a startling display of foreign influence, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly governing Venezuela almost as a colonial viceroy. Following the capture and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro to the U.S. in early January, Rubio allegedly presented interim President Delcy Rodríguez with an ultimatum: cooperate or face U.S. attacks on Venezuelan infrastructure.

Rodríguez chose cooperation, initiating a close, albeit unequal, relationship. The "New York Times," citing U.S. and Caracas government sources, describes Rubio's control as extensive, extending to Venezuelan finances, resource distribution, and government operations. This control is maintained not through a military presence, but through phone calls and WhatsApp messages from Rubio's office.

The U.S. Treasury now manages the majority of Venezuelan oil export revenues, with funds to be redistributed back into the country. Rubio and his officials theoretically guide the allocation of these funds to prevent corruption. However, the effectiveness and implications of this arrangement for Venezuelan sovereignty remain a significant concern for the nation's citizens.