In a significant development for U.S.-Venezuela relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the criteria for judging the Venezuelan government’s cooperation following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. During an interview with ABC News host George Stephanopoulos on October 8, 2023, Rubio emphasized that actions would weigh more heavily than statements in determining future U.S. policy.
The operation that led to Maduro’s arrest was reportedly spearheaded by elite units of the United States Army, including the Delta Force, in Caracas. This move marks a pivotal moment in U.S. efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced the arrest via a post on Truth Social, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing what it describes as a rogue regime.
Next Steps for U.S.-Venezuela Relations
Rubio stated that the U.S. would not simply react to rhetoric from Venezuelan officials, but instead focus on tangible outcomes. “We’re not going to judge moving forward based simply on what’s said in press conferences,” he noted. “What we’re going to react to is very simple: what do you do? Not what you’re saying publicly, what happens?” His remarks suggest a shift towards a more action-oriented evaluation of the Venezuelan government’s commitments.
Among the critical issues Rubio highlighted were drug trafficking, the presence of Iranian influence, and the activities of the terrorist organizations ELN and FARC. He pointed out that the U.S. is particularly focused on whether drug shipments cease and if the Venezuelan government takes steps to curb these organizations, which are known to operate with impunity in the region.
Rubio’s comments come amid a backdrop of criticism from congressional Democrats, who have characterized the operation as an illegal act of war. Prominent critics, including podcasters Keith Olbermann and Dean Obeidallah, have publicly called for Trump’s impeachment on various platforms, including BlueSky.
Potential for Further U.S. Actions
Rubio reiterated that the United States is keeping all options on the table, stating, “We retain all the options before this raid and this capture and this arrest was made.” He explained that a quarantine is currently in effect regarding sanctioned vessels headed toward Venezuela, indicating that such vessels may be seized under court orders obtained in the U.S. This policy reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to enforcing sanctions until significant changes occur within the Venezuelan government.
As the situation develops, the focus will remain on the actions of Venezuela’s ruling party and their implications for U.S. foreign policy. The outcome of this high-stakes operation could have lasting repercussions for both nations and the broader region.
