Trump suggests Rubio ordered Venezuela strike for revenge

US President Donald Trump suggested that the recent operation in Venezuela may have been an act of revenge by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was born to Cuban immigrant parents.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump emphasised that Rubio “knows Cuba very well” and noted that the country is totally dependent on Venezuela financially and for oil, Caliber.Az reports.

When the journalist suggested the Venezuela operation could have been “Marco’s revenge,” Trump replied, “Maybe it was.”

On January 3, the United States launched a direct military intervention in Venezuela, deploying forces and conducting strikes that resulted in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife being captured and transported to the US to face drug‑related charges. 

The Trump administration framed the action as part of a campaign against “narco‑terrorism” and cited concerns about drugs and regional security, while also signalling intentions to influence Venezuela’s political transition and control of its oil industry.

Maduro was brought to a federal court in New York on January 5 to face charges. In court, he pleaded not guilty and stated that he still considers himself the president of his country. The judge ordered Maduro to appear in court on March 17 for hearings.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the US, saying it violated international law in Venezuela.

By Jeyhun Aghazada