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Former Rubio Roommate Accused of Secretly Lobbying for Venezuela
Trial begins with Secretary of State Rubio set to testify about interactions with ex-congressman David Rivera
Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:18am
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The federal trial of former Miami congressman David Rivera, accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela's government during the Trump administration, begins Monday. Prosecutors allege Rivera was a hired gun for former President Nicolás Maduro, leveraging Republican connections to push the White House to abandon its hard line on Venezuela's socialist government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was once Rivera's roommate, is expected to testify about his interactions with his old friend.
Why it matters
The trial offers a rare glimpse into the often unseemly role Miami plays in shaping U.S. policy in Latin America, with exiles, corruption, and anti-communist crusaders influencing decisions in Washington. Rubio's testimony is highly unusual, as sitting Cabinet members rarely take the stand in criminal trials.
The details
Prosecutors allege Rivera persuaded then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez to award him a $50 million lobbying contract to be paid by state oil company PDVSA. Rivera was aided by Texas Republican Rep. Pete Sessions and a convicted Cari cartel associate as he sought meetings with the White House and Exxon Mobil on Maduro's behalf. Rivera denies wrongdoing, claiming his consulting work was focused on positioning Venezuelan-owned Citgo in the U.S. energy industry.
- The federal trial of former Miami congressman David Rivera begins on Monday, March 23, 2026.
- Rivera and Rubio met at the senator's Washington home on July 9, 2017.
- Two days later, Rivera texted Rubio that 'U.S. should facilitate, not just support, a negotiated solution' with Venezuela.
- In July 2017, Trump sanctioned Maduro and labeled him a 'dictator', launching a 'maximum pressure' campaign to unseat the president.
- Almost a year after helping Rivera make inroads with Exxon, Sessions secretly traveled to Caracas for a meeting with Maduro arranged by Gorrín and Rivera.
The players
David Rivera
A former Miami congressman accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela's government during the Trump administration.
Marco Rubio
The Secretary of State who is expected to testify about his interactions with his former roommate, David Rivera.
Nicolás Maduro
The former president of Venezuela whose government Rivera is accused of secretly lobbying for.
Delcy Rodríguez
Venezuela's acting president who allegedly awarded Rivera a $50 million lobbying contract.
Pete Sessions
A Texas Republican congressman who allegedly aided Rivera in his efforts to lobby for Venezuela.
What they’re saying
“Remember, U.S. should facilitate, not just support, a negotiated solution. No vengeance, reconciliation.”
— David Rivera
“For Nicolás Maduro, who I am sure is watching, the current path you are on will not end well for you.”
— Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow David Rivera out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex and often opaque role that Miami and its political figures play in shaping U.S. policy towards Latin America, with allegations of backroom deals, secret lobbying, and influence peddling.
