Rubio set to warn of future military action if Venezuela’s new leaders stray from US goals
January 27, 2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to warn that the Trump administration is ready to take new military action against Venezuela if the country’s interim leadership strays from U.S. expectations. Rubio will testify Wednesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. According to prepared testimony, Rubio plans to say the U.S. isn’t at war with Venezuela but the Trump administration wouldn’t rule out using additional force if needed following the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro. Rubio will defend Trump’s decisions to remove Maduro, strike suspected drug boats and seize sanctioned tankers carrying Venezuelan oil. Democrats have condemned the actions as exceeding President Donald Trump’s authority.