Marco Rubio Clarifies Trump’s Venezuela Remarks: The US Won’t Be Governing

​The world was caught off guard this weekend following a massive shift in international relations. After the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by American forces, President Donald Trump made headlines by stating that the United States would essentially "run the country" of Venezuela. For many, this sparked immediate concerns about a long-term occupation or a return to the era of nation-building. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio quickly stepped in to provide a more detailed and perhaps more cautious explanation of what that actually means.

​Rubio’s clarification is vital because it sets the tone for how the US plans to handle the power vacuum left in Caracas. While the President’s language was bold and direct, the Secretary of State is framing the situation as one of influence and leverage rather than direct administration. This distinction is more than just wordplay; it defines the boundaries of American involvement in South America for the foreseeable future.

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Running Policy Rather Than the Daily Grind

​In several interviews following the operation, Marco Rubio was asked to explain the President's comments about "running" Venezuela. His answer was quite specific. He explained that the US is not interested in taking over the day-to-day governing of the Venezuelan people. Instead, he clarified that the US is "running the policy."

​What does it mean to run a policy? According to Rubio, it means using the tools at America's disposal to ensure Venezuela moves in a direction that benefits both the US national interest and the Venezuelan people. The goal is to see a transition to a stable, democratic system, but the US does not want to be the ones deciding which potholes get fixed or how the local schools are managed. This is a clear attempt to distance the administration from the "forever wars" and long-term occupations that have defined US foreign policy in the Middle East for decades.

​The Power of the Oil Blockade

​The primary tool the US is using to "run the policy" is what Rubio calls an "oil quarantine." Before the capture of Maduro, the US had already placed heavy sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers. Rubio confirmed that this blockade will stay in place. This gives Washington massive leverage over whoever is left in the Venezuelan government.

​By controlling the flow of oil—the lifeblood of the Venezuelan economy—the US can essentially dictate terms for a transition. Rubio pointed out that this isn't about taking the oil for the US, as America has plenty of its own energy resources. Rather, it is about making sure the revenue from that oil is used to help the people and rebuild the country’s broken infrastructure instead of being lost to corruption or drug trafficking. The message is clear: the US will hold the keys to the economy until they see real, positive changes on the ground.

​Avoiding Another Libya or Iraq

​One of the most interesting parts of Rubio’s explanation was his focus on the history of US intervention. He explicitly stated that this is not Libya, Iraq, or Afghanistan. He argued that the foreign policy establishment often treats every situation like the Middle East, but that the Western Hemisphere requires a different approach.

​By saying the US won’t govern day-to-day, Rubio is trying to calm fears of a "quagmire." The administration wants to avoid a scenario where American troops are patrolling streets and managing civil disputes. Rubio suggested that the US would judge the subordinates of the former regime who are still in place by their actions. If they cooperate and move toward a "safe, proper, and judicious transition," the US will let them handle the internal governance. This shows a desire for a quick, impactful intervention rather than a slow, decades-long presence.

​The Question of New Leadership

​A major point of confusion has been who will actually lead Venezuela next. While many expected the US to immediately back opposition leader María Corina Machado, the administration’s response has been more complicated. Rubio expressed great admiration for Machado but noted that much of the opposition movement is no longer inside the country.

​Instead, the US seems to be looking at a "group" effort. President Trump mentioned that various people would be designated to help oversee the transition. Rubio’s role is to ensure that whatever group takes charge is one that eliminates Venezuela's status as a "narco-trafficking paradise." The administration is prioritizing national security—specifically stopping the flow of drugs and the influence of adversaries like Iran—over the immediate installation of a specific political figure.

​Balancing Strength with Diplomacy

​The dynamic between Trump and Rubio here is classic "good cop, bad cop." Trump provides the muscle and the blunt declarations of control, which keeps adversaries off balance. Rubio provides the diplomatic nuance that satisfies international observers and legal experts.

​Rubio’s insistence that the US has the "right under the Constitution" to act against imminent threats while simultaneously saying we don’t want to run the country is a delicate balancing act. It allows the US to remain assertive without technically becoming an occupying power. This strategy relies heavily on the "optionality" that Rubio says the President always maintains. They want to keep all doors open, including the use of military force if necessary, but their preferred path is one of economic and political pressure.

​What Comes Next for Venezuela?

​As the dust settles from the weekend’s raid, the road ahead remains incredibly uncertain. The capture of Maduro is a historic event, but as Rubio admitted, there are "short-term things" that have to be addressed immediately. The power grid in parts of Caracas is still struggling, and the political structure is in flux.

​The US stance, as clarified by Rubio, is that they will wait and see. They are watching the remaining leaders in Caracas to see if they make the "right decision." If the current officials choose to work toward a legitimate election and stop criminal activities, the US may step back. If they don't, the oil blockade and the military presence in the Caribbean will ensure that the "leverage" remains as heavy as ever.

​Ultimately, the goal is a Venezuela that no longer poses a threat to the United States. Whether you call it "running the country" or "running the policy," the reality is that Washington is now the most powerful voice in Venezuela’s future. Rubio’s job is to make sure that voice leads to a stable outcome without dragging America into a long-term commitment it didn't plan for.