Rubio Forced to Testify Against Longtime Pal in Venezuela Lobbying Case

Trump's White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles also drawn into the legal crosshairs.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to testify against his longtime friend and confidant David Rivera, who is standing trial in Miami federal court over allegations that he acted as a federal agent for Venezuela. The case has also raised questions about the involvement of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who previously co-led the powerful U.S. lobbying group Ballard Partners.

Why it matters

This case provides a rare glimpse into the powerful figures in President Trump's inner circle who have potentially profited from shaping U.S. policy on Venezuela without fully disclosing their work. It raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest at the highest levels of government.

The details

Rivera, a fellow Cuban American immigrant from Miami, has been a friend of Rubio for 20 years. He stood by Rubio's side as they both pursued their political ambitions in the Florida House of Representatives. Now, Rivera is accused of acting as a federal agent for Venezuela, and Rubio is scheduled to testify against him as a government witness. Wiles, Trump's White House Chief of Staff, has also been mentioned in the case, with Rivera's attorneys suggesting that the foreign-agent violations leveled against their client could also apply to Wiles.

  • Rubio is scheduled to testify against Rivera at his trial in Miami federal court.
  • The case was first reported on March 10, 2026.

The players

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State and a longtime friend and confidant of David Rivera.

David Rivera

A fellow Cuban American immigrant from Miami who is standing trial in federal court over allegations that he acted as a federal agent for Venezuela.

Susie Wiles

The current White House Chief of Staff, who previously co-led the powerful U.S. lobbying group Ballard Partners.

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What’s next

A federal magistrate judge in Florida's Southern District Court has granted a Justice Department petition allowing Wiles to avoid testifying at Rivera's trial, thereby permitting related documents to remain under seal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability among the powerful figures shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly when it comes to potential conflicts of interest and undisclosed lobbying activities.