Rubio Seizes Control of Venezuela's Finances, Establishing 2-Firm Oil Duopoly

2 articles · Updated · Daily Kos · Jul 11

Six months after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, Marco Rubio is portrayed as effectively directing Venezuela’s finances, natural-resource distribution and day-to-day government from Washington.
A 2-firm oil trading structure has replaced the state monopoly, casting U.S.-backed policy as a transfer of control rather than market liberalization.
Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president who now serves as acting leader with U.S. backing, stays in close contact with Rubio through frequent WhatsApp exchanges in Spanish.
The arrangement is framed as part of Donald Trump’s broader expansionist push, tying Venezuela’s post-capture governance to U.S. ambitions over strategic territory and resources.

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Daily Kos5h ago

Rubio Controls Venezuela's Finances, Establishes Oil Trading Duopoly

The New York Times5h ago

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Venezuela 2026: U.S. Intervention, Oil Revenue Management, and the Struggle for Democratic Transition

Overview

As of July 2026, the United States holds strong influence over Venezuela’s government and economy, following a U.S. operation that deposed Nicolás Maduro in January. The Trump administration justified this intervention as necessary for U.S. security, with Senator Marco Rubio highlighting increased American safety. After Maduro’s removal, the U.S. quickly supported the new interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez, shaping Venezuela’s political direction and managing its oil revenues. This diplomatic realignment and economic oversight underscore the U.S. role in guiding Venezuela’s transition, while raising questions about the country’s autonomy and the future of its democracy.

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