Marco Rubio
Share this @internewscast.com
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that the United States would not govern Venezuela day-to-day other than enforcing an existing “oil quarantine” on the country, a turnaround after President Donald Trump has insisted that the US would be running Venezuela following its ouster of leader Nicolás Maduro.

Senator Rubio’s remarks appeared to be crafted to allay fears that the bold push for regime change in Venezuela could entangle the United States in another lengthy foreign intervention or a botched nation-building effort.

They stood in contrast to Trump’s broad but vague claims that the US would at least temporarily “run” the oil-rich nation, comments that suggested some sort of governing structure under which Caracas would be controlled by Washington.
Marco Rubio
In this photo released by the White House, President Donald Trump talks with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks at a computer screen as he monitors U.S. military operations in Venezuela, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Molly Riley/The White House via AP)(Getty)

Throughout the weekend, the Venezuelan government continued its operations as usual, with officials maintaining their positions.

On Sunday, the capital city experienced an unusual stillness, with a noticeable scarcity of vehicles on the roads and the closure of convenience stores, gas stations, and various businesses.

Nicolás Ernesto Guerra, the son of President Maduro and a member of the legislature, has remained out of the public eye since the incident. On Saturday, he took to Instagram to share a government statement condemning the capture of his father and stepmother.

The newly formed National Assembly of Venezuela is scheduled to be inaugurated at the legislative palace in Caracas, with the ruling party retaining control over the unicameral body.

According to Venezuelan law, Rodríguez is the next in line to succeed Maduro. Despite expressing on Saturday via state television that she had no intention of assuming power, the high court of Venezuela later mandated that she step into the interim leadership role.

Trump told The Atlantic in an interview on Sunday that Rodríguez could “pay a very big price” if she doesn’t do what he thinks is right for Venezuela. Speaking to reporters later, Trump said Rodríguez is “cooperating” but reiterated the threat. He said he wanted her to provide “total access,” from major oil operations to basic infrastructure like roads, so all can be rebuilt.

His warning contrasted with his comments about Rodríguez on Saturday when he said Rubio had spoken with her and she was willing to do what the US thinks is needed to improve the standard of living in Venezuela.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Discover the Timeline to Achieve Your Dream Property ‘Pinch Me’ Moment

In brief Patricia Nicula has just bought her first home in Queensland,…
Thieves swipe $40,000 of rescue gear from SES depot

Thieves Steal $40,000 in Vital Rescue Equipment from SES Depot, Raising Concerns Over Emergency Response

Thieves made off with $40,000 of crucial SES rescue equipment after breaking…
Harry Brook's attempts to protect his team-mates have strengthened his standing within the England dressing room

Harry Brook’s Leadership Journey: Embracing Maturity, Building Bonds, and Earning Team Respect

Earlier in the week, just before his electrifying century propelled England into…
Warnbro crash

Tragic Perth Incident: Teenager Fatally Struck by Two Cars After Exiting School Bus

A family is grieving the death of their teenage son after a…
Sussan Ley addresses the media following a Liberal party meeting at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 13 February 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Veteran Politician Sussan Ley Steps Down After 25 Years in Public Service: Impact and Legacy

Former Liberal leader Sussan Ley has officially stepped down from her political…

Magda Szubanski Celebrates Cancer Remission Following Successful Chemotherapy Treatment

In brief Magda Szubanski was diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma…
Raymond Reddington, Sharon Fulton

Justice Served: Husband Found Guilty in Decades-Old Cold Case Murder of Wife

It’s been nearly 40 years since Sharon Fulton went missing in Western…
A picture of an unidentified child at a childcare centre.

Nine Childcare Centers at Risk of Losing Funding After Falling Short of Standards

One childcare centre has closed and nine face suspension or funding cuts…

Controversy Persists Over Allegations of Racism in Incoming NT Administrator David Connolly’s Past Social Media Posts

In Brief David Connolly is being sworn in as the Northern Territory’s…
Babawru Akuntsu, top, rests beside Akyp, her newborn son

Miraculous Birth Revives Endangered Amazonian Tribe: A New Dawn for Survival

Pugapia and her daughters, Aiga and Babawru, have long been the last…
WFH and four-day weeks impacting CBD businesses

The Decline of Friday Night Socials: Pubs Face Challenges Amid Remote Work Trend

A sharp rise in Australians choosing to work-from-home on Fridays is having…
General view of Yallourn Power Station (Luis Enrique Ascui/Australian Financial Review)

Firefighters Combat Intense Blaze for Five Hours at Victorian Power Station

Firefighters have spent nearly five hours battling to control a blaze inside…