Story perspectives

Rubio Testifies on Rivera's Venezuela Lobbying Controversy

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in Miami about his relationship with former Congressman David Rivera, who faces money laundering and unregistered foreign agent charges for Venezuela.
Rubio described a 2017 meeting in which Rivera proposed a plan to undermine Nicolás Maduro's regime.
He said he was unaware of Rivera's $50 million lobbying contract with a Venezuelan state-owned company and would not have acted had he known the implications.

History

Historical Context

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), enacted in 1938 to combat foreign propaganda, particularly from Nazi Germany, mandates that individuals representing foreign entities disclose their relationships and financial arrangements. Recent scrutiny, highlighted by David Rivera's $50 million contract with a Venezuelan company, underscores ongoing concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics, especially from regimes like Nicolás Maduro's in Venezuela.

1 of 2

Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in Miami about his relationship with former Congressman David Rivera, who faces money laundering and unregistered foreign agent charges for Venezuela.
Rubio described a 2017 meeting in which Rivera proposed a plan to undermine Nicolás Maduro's regime.
He said he was unaware of Rivera's $50 million lobbying contract with a Venezuelan state-owned company and would not have acted had he known the implications.

1 / 2