Marco Rubio testifies against friend and former Florida congressman over Venezuela ties
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The Bottom Line
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is testifying against his friend, former Florida Rep. David Rivera, who is accused of secretly lobbying for the Venezuelan government.
AI Summary
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified against former Florida Rep. David Rivera, his longtime friend, in a case involving accusations that Rivera secretly lobbied on behalf of the Venezuelan government. Rivera faces federal charges related to failing to properly disclose foreign lobbying work, a violation that carries serious penalties under federal law. The testimony marks a notable moment given Rubio and Rivera's long personal relationship dating back to their time together in Florida politics. Rubio, who has taken a hardline stance against the Venezuelan regime as the nation's top diplomat, has made opposition to foreign influence operations a priority for the Trump administration. The case underscores the tension between personal loyalty and legal accountability in high-profile Washington prosecutions.
What's Being Done
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is testifying against David Rivera in connection with accusations of secret lobbying for Venezuela.
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PoliticsRubio testimony sheds light on friend's shadowy Venezuela play
<p>International intrigue. An assassination plot. <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/rubio-miami-trial-friend-venezuela" target="_blank">Millions of secret dollars</a>. Code names. Secret meetings.</p><ul><li>Venezuela's shadowy dealings with the first Trump administration were laid bare by Secretary of State <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/rubio-trump-iran-israel-attacks" target="_blank">Marco Rubio</a> on Tuesday when he testified against his longtime friend, David Rivera.</li><li>The former Miami congressman is on trial in federal court for allegedly acting as an unregistered foreign agent in a $50 million scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Rivera's trial is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Venezuela's push to manipulate the U.S. into normalizing relations by throwing around big money and promises for government reforms before Nicolas Maduro established himself as an election-rigging dictator in 2017.</p><hr><ul><li>Maduro's run finally came to ...
PoliticsRubio to testify in trial of former roommate accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to testify Tuesday in the trial of his former roommate, a one-time congressman who is accused of secretly lobbying on behalf of the Venezuelan government. CBS News Miami investigative reporter Jim DeFede has the details.
PoliticsRubio to testify in trial of former congressman accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela
The trial has begun for former congressman David Rivera over allegations he secretly lobbied for Venezuela's government during the first Trump administration.
PoliticsRubio to testify in trial of former roommate accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimgFBVV95cUxPNGNVemFWWjVNTzhZa2hwMEF5bGc0UTJMZHl0WFd1UXlIclpFcE16SjFqMmg0S05BZUdpQm15QldGTFF4X0xzWjlGYS10b3Q3MU80NVZNbFVFazZWcW1qUGVPSXlCSUhMSXRjaHVOS1VQZDA2dHllcVF6TzBnSFNmdHJKQXR1NHgtZ0V0T3NDQW40aldYc0tIRE5R?oc=5" target="_blank">Rubio to testify in trial of former roommate accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsFormer US congressman secretly lobbied for Venezuela, prosecutor says at trial - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwgFBVV95cUxNY3NNWkU4UWhPcFZPemc4WXY3YUZLUkZfT2szY0tsSDR0MHFhWVpKZ3pkWUdnRTl1bm9TenlrS00yYl81WXI2Yk52MUFtYS1DRkxRdFVKQTFkOUlmdUJCbTJfUG5Oa1JWc1ZCd3AzU2JYSmRWZUJ1V0ZVUVhHWnVjRXdlWGNUR1RGcHZ4UGRJbE5tOU5iRVdDMnNkMGlhS1ZpLWdFSFY5Tlp2TFpuVHRuZ3poUXBSeXpmck9IVzN1WGFxUQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Former US congressman secretly lobbied for Venezuela, prosecutor says at trial</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
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