In a recent interview on “Face the Nation,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the U.S. government’s strategy regarding Venezuela following the high-profile arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro. The interview, conducted by Margaret Brennan on January 4, 2026, addressed both military options and sanctions as tools to influence the Venezuelan regime.
Rubio emphasized that while the U.S. retains the option to deploy military force, the current focus is on economic sanctions, particularly targeting the oil industry. He stated, “The key to what that regime relies on is the economy fueled by oil,” highlighting that the Venezuelan oil sector is in disarray and primarily benefits corrupt officials rather than the general populace. He confirmed that a quarantine on sanctioned oil shipments remains in place as a means to exert pressure on the government.
When asked about President Trump’s declaration regarding military options, Rubio clarified, “The President always retains optionality on anything.” He pointed out that the U.S. has recently undertaken one of the largest naval deployments in the Western Hemisphere, which he believes can effectively disrupt illegal activities in Venezuelan waters. This deployment serves as a deterrent against drug trafficking and other illicit operations associated with the Maduro regime.
Despite the arrest of Maduro, questions remain about the future of the Venezuelan leadership structure. Brennan pressed Rubio on why key figures such as Diosdado Cabello, who has a significant U.S. bounty on his head, remain in power. Rubio responded that while the U.S. is targeting high-profile individuals, the operational complexities involved in such military actions cannot be underestimated. He defended the decision to arrest Maduro first, stating, “We got the top priority,” and underscored the sophistication of the operation that led to Maduro’s capture.
Amid discussions of potential transitions in leadership, Rubio expressed admiration for opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González. He acknowledged the complexity of the political landscape in Venezuela, where the U.S. aims to support democratic processes without rushing a transition. “These things take time. There’s a process,” he explained, emphasizing that U.S. actions will depend on the behavior of the Venezuelan authorities moving forward.
The Secretary of State also addressed the issue of drug trafficking and the influence of foreign entities in Venezuela, particularly Hezbollah and Iran. He indicated that the U.S. would not tolerate a regime that allows such malign influences to operate within its borders. “We are addressing the factors that are a threat to the national interest of the United States,” he affirmed.
As the Biden administration navigates the aftermath of Maduro’s arrest, Rubio made it clear that U.S. interests and the well-being of the Venezuelan people remain the top priorities. He stated, “We want to see all of that happen,” referring to the cessation of drug trafficking and the restoration of the oil industry for the benefit of the Venezuelan citizens.
This interview reflects the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Venezuelan relations, as the Trump administration seeks to balance military readiness with diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering a more stable and democratic Venezuela.
