Washington – Senator Marco Rubio is set to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, outlining the Trump administration’s willingness to consider military action against Venezuela should the country deviate from U.S. interests. This comes as the U.S. and Venezuela have reportedly established “respectful and courteous” communication channels, according to Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez.
Rubio’s Testimony: A Hard Line on Venezuela
According to details revealed by the Associated Press, Rubio will argue that Venezuela has limited options but to comply with demands from the Trump administration. The administration seeks to open Venezuela’s energy sector to U.S. companies, utilize oil revenue for purchases, and end subsidized oil exports to Cuba. Rubio is prepared to defend the Trump administration’s previous actions regarding Venezuela, including attempts to capture President Maduro, and will reject claims that these actions are unconstitutional.
Potential for Military Action
Rubio will state that the U.S. is prepared to use force to ensure “maximum cooperation” if other methods prove unsuccessful. However, he also indicated that, at present, no further military intervention is anticipated, with the U.S. military presence limited to Marine security at the embassy. He added that the President would reserve the right to act should a drone factory appear.
Political Divisions and Congressional Concerns
While the Trump administration pursues normalization of ties with Delcy Rodríguez, the approach faces opposition. Democratic members of Congress have condemned Trump’s actions as exceeding executive authority. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the leading Democrat on the committee, is expected to question the value of previous operations to remove Maduro, given that many of his former advisors and allies remain in power.
Meetings and Protests
On Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, Rubio met with Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado in Washington. The meeting focused on securing Venezuela’s oil revenues and preventing a return to control by the “chavismo” movement under the leadership of Delcy Rodríguez. During the Senate hearing, Rubio was briefly interrupted by a protester shouting “Hands off Venezuela,” who was subsequently threatened with expulsion from the committee and potential arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What action is Marco Rubio warning about?
Marco Rubio will warn the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Trump administration is prepared to take military actions against Venezuela if the country does not align with U.S. interests.
What is Delcy Rodríguez’s position on communication with the U.S.?
Delcy Rodríguez stated on Tuesday, January 27th, that her government and the Trump administration have established respectful and courteous communication channels.
Is the U.S. currently at war with Venezuela?
According to Marco Rubio, the U.S. is not currently at war with Venezuela, and no U.S. troops are on Venezuelan soil.
Given the complex interplay of diplomatic efforts, potential military action, and internal political divisions, what role will international pressure play in shaping the future of Venezuela?
