Rubio Testifies He Was Unaware of Ex-Rep.'s Alleged Maduro Lobbying
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified for nearly three hours that he did not know former Rep. David Rivera was lobbying for Venezuela under an alleged $50 million contract.
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ABC NewsRubio testifies he didn't know of allegations an ex-lawmaker was lobbying for Venezuela's Maduro
CBS NewsRubio testifies in criminal trial of ex-congressman accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuelan government
FOX NewsRubio testifies in trial of ex-Florida congressman allegedly hired by Maduro government to lobby for Venezuela
Overview
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified for nearly three hours that he had no knowledge that former Rep. David Rivera was lobbying on behalf of Venezuela when they met in 2017.
Rivera and co-defendant Esther Nuhfer were indicted in 2022 on money laundering and failing to register as foreign agents over an alleged $50 million, three-month contract tied to a Venezuelan state oil company.
Prosecutors say the contract aimed to persuade the White House to normalize relations with Venezuela, while Rivera's lawyers say the work focused on returning Exxon to Venezuela; Rivera said Rubio's testimony supported his defense.
Prosecutors allege Rivera arranged two meetings with Rubio and sought meetings with other White House officials, and Rubio's appearance was the first time a sitting Cabinet member testified in a criminal trial since 1983.
The federal trial in Miami is continuing as Rivera denies wrongdoing and Rubio's testimony, including accounts of July 2017 meetings involving Raúl Gorrín and a promised letter to President Trump, remains in the record.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the coverage neutrally, relying on attributed facts and balanced sourcing: prosecutors' charged language is quoted and labeled as allegation, while Rivera's denial and legal arguments and Rubio's denial and contextual quip are included. Editorial choices stick to reported facts and sourced quotes rather than pushing an independent narrative.
FAQ
David Rivera and Esther Nuhfer were indicted in 2022 on charges of money laundering and failing to register as foreign agents related to an alleged $50 million contract with a Venezuelan state oil company.
Marco Rubio and David Rivera were longtime friends, former roommates, and colleagues who owned a house together while serving in the Florida legislature.
Rubio testified that he was unaware of Rivera's alleged lobbying for Venezuela during their 2017 meetings, where Rivera discussed a potential letter from Nicolás Maduro promising to step down and hold elections.
Prosecutors allege the $50 million contract aimed to persuade the White House to normalize relations with Venezuela, with Rivera arranging meetings with Rubio and other officials.
Yes, Rubio's testimony marks the first time a sitting Cabinet member has testified in a criminal trial since 1983.
