Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced sharp questions from senators on Wednesday about the Trump administration's military operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. The hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington focused on the raid's legality, costs, oil sales plans, and next steps for Venezuela's stability.
Background
Venezuela has faced years of economic collapse, hyperinflation, and political unrest under Maduro's rule. Food shortages and mass migration pushed millions out of the country. The US saw Maduro's government as a criminal network tied to drug trafficking and ties to groups like Iran.
On January 3, US forces carried out a quick raid. Special operators captured Maduro and his wife in Caracas. No US troops died, and the action ended fast. A US naval presence in the Caribbean, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier, backed the move. This came after months of sanctions and reports of drug boats linked to Maduro's allies.
The operation shifted power to interim leaders, including Delcy Rodríguez, a close Maduro ally. She now handles key government parts. The US calls this a short-term step to stabilize things. But opposition groups in Venezuela and some US lawmakers worry it keeps old regime figures in charge.
Rubio, as Secretary of State, leads the US response. He has pushed for change in Venezuela for years. This hearing was his first public defense of the raid before Congress. Lawmakers from both parties wanted details on money spent, legal basis, and when elections might happen.
Key Details
Rubio opened by saying the US is not at war with Venezuela. He called the raid a limited law enforcement action, not an occupation.
"There is no war against Venezuela, and we did not occupy a country. There are no U.S. troops on the ground," Rubio said.
Only Marines guard the US embassy in Caracas. About 15,000 US troops stay in the region at sea and on bases, but not inside Venezuela.
Republicans praised the raid. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch called it a brief, targeted success with no American losses. But Democrats raised alarms. Ranking member Jeanne Shaheen questioned the $1 billion cost for the raid and naval blockade. She pointed to Delcy Rodríguez's alleged drug ties, though she lacks indictment like Maduro.
Rubio said the US must work with current leaders for now, even if they would not fit long-term US standards.
Oil Sales and Blockade
Senators grilled Rubio on oil deals. The US gave no-bid licenses to two companies to buy Venezuelan oil. One links to a Trump donor, drawing criticism from Senator Chris Murphy over appearances. Rubio said storage tanks were full, so oil had to move fast. This is temporary; the goal is a normal market for Venezuela's energy.
The naval blockade, called a quarantine by Rubio, checks ships for sanctions breaks. Venezuelan leaders now help spot violators. Rubio vowed no new military action unless needed for self-defense, like against Iranian drones.
Legality and Congress Role
Some Republicans, like Rand Paul, questioned if the raid was legal and set bad precedent. Rubio said it was lawful to stop a criminal state. Democrats like Chris Coons pushed for better consultation. The raid planned late, so Congress got no heads-up for security reasons.
Rubio meets often with Rodríguez by phone. He wants the US embassy fully open soon for daily talks with officials and civil society. He also plans to see opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
What This Means
The hearing shows divides in Congress over US power in Latin America. Republicans see the raid as a win against drugs and bad actors. Democrats fear high costs, poor optics on oil, and risk of endless involvement.
For Venezuela, transition means working with Rodríguez's group short-term. They control guns and institutions. Rubio wants free elections with all groups represented. But no firm timeline exists. He said progress must speed up in months; it can't drag on.
"This is not a frozen dinner," Rubio told the committee. "You don't put it in the microwave and 2 1/2 minutes later it's ready. These are complex things."
US goals include a stable, prosperous Venezuela using its oil and resources. Rubio warned patience has limits. Force stays an option if talks fail, though not the plan. The embassy reopening and more opposition engagement signal steps forward.
Lawmakers want clear measures of success, like economic recovery signs or power-sharing deals. Regional allies watch closely; trust in US leadership matters. With troops in the Caribbean and Middle East tensions, Congress seeks steady oversight.
Rubio's firm stance aims to calm fears of quagmire. Stability now tops the list, even with imperfect partners. Oil flows fund basics like food and medicine. Long-term, democracy and markets could rebuild the nation.
The hearing highlights bigger questions. How long before full handover? Will Rodríguez step aside? Can opposition unite? US cash and ships shape the path, but Venezuelan choices decide the end.
Trump has praised Rodríguez and noted Venezuela's oil riches. This fuels debate on priorities: security first or quick democracy? Rubio balances both, pushing pragmatism over ideals for now.
Senators like John Curtis back the Maduro ouster but want better briefings. More hearings loom on Western Hemisphere plans. As months pass, eyes stay on Caracas for real change.
