Former Congressman Accused in Testimony Over $50M Venezuelan Contract Hidden from Trump's Cabinet Member
In a dramatic courtroom confrontation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified that he was unaware his longtime friend and former Florida Representative David Rivera had secured an undisclosed contract with the state-owned oil company PDVSA for approximately 18 months prior to joining administration in January 2025. The $49 million deal involved a "foreign agent" designation, which triggered investigations into potential conflicts of interest under Trump's new executive orders regarding foreign influence and campaign finance laws.
Key Points
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1Marco Rubio testified in a Miami courtroom that he was kept unaware about $50 million contracts held by his longtime friend and former colleague.
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2David Rivera, who is facing criminal charges related to Venezuela ties under the Maduro regime, allegedly did not disclose these financial arrangements during meetings with Rubio as late 2017.
Developments
Perspectives
Marco Rubio testified that he was kept in the dark about a $50 million contract held by his longtime friend and former colleague, David Rivera.
— Daily Mail"Vom Vertrauten zum Feind" (From trusted confidant to enemy): Marco Rubio is testifying against ex-friend David Rivera over alleged foreign agent activities linked to Venezuela's Maduro regime in a Miami courtroom case involving the $50 million contract with a Venezuelan state-owned company.
— Fr.de"Vom Vertrauten zum Feind" (From trusted confidant to enemy): Marco Rubio is testifying against ex-friend David Rivera over alleged foreign agent activities linked to Venezuela's Maduro regime in a Miami courtroom case involving the $50 million contract with a Venezuelan state-owned company.
— Feeds.elpais.com"Vom Vertrauten zum Feind" (From trusted confidant to enemy): Marco Rubio is testifying against ex-friend David Rivera over alleged foreign agent activities linked to Venezuela's Maduro regime in a Miami courtroom case involving the $50 million contract with a Venezuelan state-owned company.
— CbsnewsUS Secretary Marco Rubio testified in a Miami courtroom about being unaware for years regarding $50 million contracts held by former colleague David Rivera while the latter allegedly acted as Venezuela's "foreign agent." Despite biographers describing their close friendship and shared political history, both men are now involved in separate legal battles over these dealings.