Washington Rules Out Administrative Role in Venezuela
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has detailed Washington’s strategy for Venezuela following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing that the United States will not assume any governing authority. Instead, the approach centers on a targeted “oil quarantine” aimed at cutting off illicit PDVSA revenue streams while supporting a Venezuelan‑led democratic transition.
Oil Quarantine and Economic Pressure
Rubio said the maritime and financial blockade is designed to prevent oil‑for‑arms exchanges and halt shipments to sanctioned partners. As part of the economic strategy, the U.S. Treasury is preparing to channel frozen Venezuelan assets into a Citizens Reconstruction Fund, which would be overseen by an authorized transitional body rather than U.S. officials. Washington also intends to provide technical assistance to stabilize the country’s deteriorating power grid and water infrastructure.
Avoiding Long‑Term Occupation
The policy seeks to avoid the pitfalls of direct administration while navigating a fragile political environment. Core elements of the U.S. plan include recognition of an interim civilian council, naval enforcement of the oil quarantine, intelligence cooperation to dismantle armed groups, and UN‑monitored humanitarian corridors to safeguard aid delivery.
Mixed Reactions Inside Venezuela
Responses within Venezuela remain divided. Opposition leaders broadly welcome Maduro’s removal but caution that an extended blockade could intensify humanitarian challenges if not executed with precision. Rubio’s remarks also address criticism of earlier comments from President Trump, reframing the U.S. role as external oversight rather than internal control.
Focus Shifts to the “Day After” Plan
As legal proceedings against Maduro move forward in New York, Washington is concentrating on a “Day After” framework that maintains strong security and economic pressure while minimizing direct governance. Whether this model can stabilize Venezuela’s collapsing economy will become clearer in the weeks ahead.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Wikimedia Picture by Gage Skidmore
