In a recent interview on “Face the Nation” with host Margaret Brennan, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided insights into the current U.S. strategy regarding Venezuela following the recent arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro. The interview aired on January 4, 2026, and addressed the complexities of U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs, particularly in relation to military options and economic sanctions.
During the discussion, Brennan pointed out President Donald Trump‘s assertion that the U.S. would maintain military options, including “boots on the ground,” until its demands were met. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. strategy primarily focuses on economic sanctions rather than direct military intervention. He stated, “The key to what that regime relies on is the economy fueled by oil,” highlighting the mismanagement of Venezuela’s oil industry and the lack of benefits to the people.
Rubio explained that the current U.S. approach includes a quarantine on sanctioned oil shipments, allowing for the seizure of vessels involved in illicit activities. This strategy aims to exert pressure on the Venezuelan regime while also addressing issues such as drug trafficking and the influence of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Iranian forces in the region.
Brennan challenged Rubio on the apparent continuation of Maduro’s regime despite the arrest of key figures, including Maduro and his wife. She questioned why other notorious figures, such as Diosdado Cabello, reportedly a drug trafficker with a $25 million bounty on his head, remain in power. Rubio responded by underscoring the complexities of military operations, arguing that the U.S. had successfully targeted the primary individual responsible for leading the regime, while capturing additional figures simultaneously would have posed significant logistical challenges.
Despite the current regime’s persistence, Rubio expressed optimism regarding the potential for change. He acknowledged the legitimacy of opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, stating that the U.S. remains committed to supporting elected leaders. However, he cautioned that transitioning Venezuela to a democratic government would require time and careful assessment of the new leadership’s actions.
The Secretary of State reiterated the U.S. goal of addressing threats to national security posed by Venezuelan drug trafficking and its ties to international terrorism. He noted that the U.S. would continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain the oil quarantine as a method of leverage.
Rubio also addressed concerns regarding the U.S. relationship with the new Venezuelan leadership, which includes figures who were previously part of Maduro’s regime. He indicated that U.S. engagement would depend on the actions of these leaders and their ability to address U.S. interests, particularly in terms of ceasing drug trafficking and improving the oil industry for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
In closing, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. strategy is focused on long-term goals rather than immediate results. He stated, “These things take time. There’s a process,” reaffirming that the U.S. will judge the new leadership based on their actions moving forward.
The dialogue highlighted the intricate challenges facing the U.S. as it navigates its policy toward Venezuela, balancing the need for security with the pressing humanitarian issues in the country.
