Rubio Testifies Against Ally Accused as Secret Agent

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent hours on Tuesday testifying against his ex-roommate and longtime friend David Rivera, a former congressman now on trial in Miami on charges that he secretly worked for Venezuela's government. Prosecutors say Rivera took a $50 million, three-month contract tied to Venezuela's state oil company to push the Trump administration to ease pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex web of political relationships and potential conflicts of interest that can arise when politicians have close personal and professional ties. It also raises questions about the influence of foreign governments in U.S. domestic politics.

The details

Rubio described a 2017 meeting for which Rivera urgently flew to DC, with what Rubio said was a plan to persuade Maduro to step aside and hold elections. Rubio said he was skeptical but saw "a 1% chance" it might advance democracy and later delivered a Senate speech on Venezuela that drew on Rivera's talking points. Prosecutors argued Rivera was selling access to a senator he'd helped elevate from young state lawmaker to national figure. The defense countered that Rivera's long association with Rubio—portrayed as an uncompromising Maduro critic—proves he would never secretly work for the Venezuelan leader, suggesting that any political discussions were aimed at aiding opposition forces, not the regime.

• On March 25, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified against his former roommate and longtime friend, David Rivera, in a federal trial in Miami.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.