Marco Rubio Testifies in David Rivera's Venezuela Lobbying Trial

Marco Rubio testified regarding his interactions with former congressman David Rivera, who faces charges of money laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent. Rivera, accused of secretly lobbying for Nicolás Maduro's government under a $50 million contract, denies wrongdoing. Prosecutors allege he arranged meetings with Venezuelan officials and U.S. entities. Rubio's testimony is notable, as it marks a rare occurrence of a sitting Cabinet member testifying in a criminal trial.

Published Mar 25, 2026

Marco Rubio testified about his past interactions with David Rivera, a former congressman charged in 2022 with money laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent while lobbying for Venezuela's government. Rivera, who denies wrongdoing, allegedly received a $50 million contract from Nicolás Maduro's administration and sought to arrange meetings for Venezuelan officials in the U.S.

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Rubio acknowledged skepticism about the Maduro regime but stated he was willing to alert the White House. Prosecutors claim Rivera and his associate operated under a chat group with coded language to conceal their lobbying efforts. Rivera's defense argues his consulting work did not require registration as a foreign agent.