Source: Fox News
Summary
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in the trial of his former roommate, ex-congressman David Rivera, who is accused of lobbying on behalf of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Rubio said he was skeptical of Rivera’s plan to persuade Maduro to step aside, but was open to alerting the White House if there was a chance it was real. Rubio delivered a speech on the Senate floor signaling the US would not retaliate against Venezuelan government insiders who worked to push Maduro from power. The indictment alleges Rivera was part of a conspiracy to lobby on behalf of Venezuela without registering as a foreign agent.
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As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Rubio testified in a packed federal courtroom with heightened security. He said he and Rivera became “very close” when both overlapped as members of the Florida Legislature. Rubio was skeptical of Rivera’s plan, but was open to alerting the White House. He delivered a speech on the Senate floor using talking points provided by Rivera. The indictment alleges Rivera was part of a conspiracy to lobby on behalf of Venezuela. The case involves code words like “Little Cuban” for Rubio and “The Lady in Red” for Rodríguez.
Rivera’s defense claims his consulting work was focused on luring Exxon back to Venezuela, exempt from the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Author: Evan Null
