Poll: Marco Rubio Most Liked Leader in Venezuela

Survey finds U.S. Secretary of State Rubio is the most popular politician in Venezuela.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A recent survey conducted by AtlasIntel found that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ranks as the most liked politician in Venezuela, with 57 percent of respondents holding a positive image of him. The survey also found that a majority of Venezuelans expect improvements in the country's economy and job market within the next six months as a result of the ongoing cooperation between the Venezuelan government and the Trump administration.

Why it matters

This poll reflects a shift in Venezuelan sentiment towards the United States and its leaders, as the country seeks to rebuild its economy and democratic institutions following the arrest of former socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro. The high approval ratings for Secretary Rubio and President Trump suggest a willingness among Venezuelans to work with the U.S. government to address the country's pressing issues.

The details

The AtlasIntel survey, conducted for Bloomberg between February 19-25, found that 58 percent of respondents expect improvements in Venezuela's economy and job market within the next six months. This sentiment coincides with a surge in peaceful protests in Venezuela in January, as local non-governmental organizations reported that protesters appear 'less fearful' of Venezuelan authorities. The survey also found that 52 percent of respondents perceive an increase in civil liberties following Maduro's arrest.

  • The survey was conducted between February 19-25, 2026.
  • Nicolás Maduro was arrested on January 3, 2026.
  • Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are due back in federal court for a hearing on March 26, 2026.

The players

Marco Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State, who ranks as the most popular politician in Venezuela according to the survey.

Nicolás Maduro

The former socialist dictator of Venezuela, who was arrested in January 2026 and is currently detained in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn facing drug trafficking charges.

Delcy Rodríguez

The acting President of Venezuela, who has been cooperating with the Trump administration to attract foreign investment and ease sanctions on the Venezuelan regime.

María Corina Machado

An anti-socialist opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who ranked second in the survey with 56 percent of respondents holding a positive image of her.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who ranked third in the survey with 53 percent of Venezuelan respondents reporting a positive image of him.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump, as a friend, as a partner, as we are opening a new agenda of cooperation with the United States, end the sanctions now and end the blockade against our homeland, because that blockade is also against the youth of Venezuela.”

— Delcy Rodríguez, Acting President of Venezuela (Breitbart)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores out on bail.

The takeaway

This poll highlights the shifting dynamics in Venezuela, as the country seeks to rebuild its economy and democratic institutions with the help of the United States. The high approval ratings for U.S. leaders like Secretary Rubio and President Trump suggest a willingness among Venezuelans to work with the American government to address the country's pressing issues.