Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope Wednesday Venezuela’s new leadership was moving toward closer relations with Washington and the United States does not expect further military action, after the US toppling of Nicolas Maduro, but brandished force if the interim leader is defiant.
In prepared testimony for a Senate hearing, Rubio had written that Delcy Rodriguez, who was vice president and now acting president, "is well aware of the fate of Maduro."
President Donald Trump has ordered his administration to work with Rodriguez but previously warned of further military action if her government does not comply with U.S. demands.
Rubio, a former Florida senator and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told a packed Senate hearing room that while Trump would not rule out any options, "we are not postured to, nor do we intend or expect to, have to take any military action in Venezuela," signaling the administration's satisfaction with Rodriguez.
"The only military presence you will see in Venezuela is our Marine guards at an embassy. That is our goal. That is our expectation," Rubio said.
