Rubio Says US Won't 'Run' Venezuela Directly

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday joined several news programs to discuss the Trump administration’s plan to ‘run’ Venezuela, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which occurred on Saturday.

When asked for details on the administration’s plans to run Venezuela, Secretary Rubio replied by affirming that the U.S. would not directly govern the nation. Instead, Secretary Rubio suggested that the U.S. would utilize the leverage gained from its oil blockade placed on the country to reach political change.

Secretary Rubio, who was once targeted for assassination by “Cartel de Los Soles” member and Venezuelan Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, has been deeply involved in the Trump administration’s policy towards Venezuela.

“What’s going to happen here is we have a quarantine on their oil, that means their economy will not be able to move forward until the conditions that are in the national interest of the United States and the interests of the Venezuelan people are met, and that’s what we intend to do,” Rubio said on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.”

The U.S previously had ordered a total blockade of oil tankers engaged in activities with Venezuela as it increased military pressure along the Caribbean.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would run Venezuela “until such time as it can be put back on track.”

The president’s statements have led to discourse by both allies and adversaries who express concern about a nation-building exercise in the country.

Secretary Rubio assured on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” that the U.S. is “running policy, the policy with regard to this. We want Venezuela to move in a certain direction.”

Rubio’s comments provide clarity regarding President Trump’s prior comments about a “group” running the nation and suggest that the president’s intent has been misunderstood.

Secretary Rubio is now in control of delivering on his vision for a free and prosperous Western Hemisphere.