Rubio tells Miami court friend used ‘code words’ in alleged secret lobbying scheme

MIAMI, FL: Secretary of State Marco Rubio took the witness stand Tuesday, March 24, in federal court, testifying in the criminal trial of his longtime friend and former congressman David Rivera, who is accused of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Venezuela’s government.

The appearance marks a rare moment in US politics, with a sitting Cabinet official providing testimony in an active criminal case.

Rubio told the court he was unaware that Rivera had secured a $50 million contract tied to Venezuela’s state oil interests when they met in 2017.

Rubio signaled Maduro opposition in speech

During testimony, Rubio described a 2017 meeting in which Rivera presented a proposal involving political change in Venezuela.

Rubio said he was skeptical of the plan but later referenced similar themes in a Senate floor speech, including assurances of a peaceful transition.

Prosecutors argue Rivera used access to senior US officials to push messaging aligned with Venezuelan government interests.

Rubio told the court he would not have engaged further had he known Rivera was working under a contract linked to the Maduro government.

$50 million contract for ‘Lady in Red’

At the center of the case is an alleged $50 million lobbying agreement involving a US-based subsidiary of Venezuela’s state oil company. Prosecutors say Rivera received millions under the deal while attempting to influence US policy toward Caracas.

Court filings and testimony indicate that the effort included arranging meetings with US officials and business leaders. The prosecution has also pointed to coded communications and internal coordination tied to the alleged lobbying campaign.

Defense claims Rivera was ‘freedom fighter’

Rivera has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including money laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent. His legal team argues that his work was commercial in nature and aimed at facilitating business engagement, not political lobbying.

Defense attorneys have also maintained that Rivera opposed the Maduro government and was attempting to support a transition in Venezuela. Rubio, during testimony, confirmed that Rivera never expressed support for Maduro in their conversations.

The trial continues in Miami federal court, with prosecutors and defense attorneys presenting competing narratives over whether Rivera’s activities crossed into illegal foreign lobbying.