Marco Rubio rules Venezuela as viceroy from Washington

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, has become the de facto ruler of Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January, according to a detailed investigation by The New York Times. Based on interviews with over a dozen officials from both governments, the report describes Rubio as a 'viceroy' supervising the country's finances, natural resources, and interim government from Washington without ever setting foot in the country. Source: The New York Times via Clarín

The 'Virrey' system

The comparison to colonial viceroys is intentional: Rubio's control over Venezuela is likened to that of Paul Bremer in occupied Iraq in 2003. While he maintains a friendly WhatsApp relationship with interim President Delcy Rodríguez (Maduro's former vice president), the power dynamic is clear. Rubio sets conditions on spending, supervises sanctions, and even requires approval of Rodríguez's social media posts before publication. Source: La Silla Vacía

Financial stranglehold

The key instrument of control is financial. The U.S. Treasury receives proceeds from most Venezuelan exports and then gradually disburses them through the country's private banks, akin to an allowance. Rubio's team decides who gets paid, which companies can operate, and prioritizes U.S. firms over European ones. Venezuela sells much of its oil through Trump-authorized traders Trafigura and Vitol. This mechanism also protects funds from international creditors. [Sources: El Colombiano, Portafolio]

Political subordination

Washington's reach extends to foreign policy and military cooperation. When Foreign Minister Yvan Gil criticized a U.S. attack on Iran, he was ordered to delete the post and did so within hours; he was later dismissed. U.S. intelligence enabled the killing of a Tren de Aragua leader, and the government extradited Alex Saab. Critics accuse the U.S. of propping up an authoritarian regime while millions of Venezuelans demand elections. [Sources: El Español, La Silla Vacía]