U.S. Former Representative Convicted in Lobbying Case as Trump Endorses Kentucky Senate Candidate

A former U.S. representative from Florida was convicted in federal court on charges related to unregistered lobbying for a Venezuelan entity. Separately, the president endorsed a candidate in Kentucky's Republican Senate primary, leading to the withdrawal of a challenger. Additional reports noted allegations against a current representative and comments on military operations.

In Miami federal court, former Rep. , was convicted on all counts including acting as an unregistered foreign agent, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and tax evasion. The case stemmed from a $50 million contract with PDV USA, a U.S. affiliate of Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA, during Nicolas Maduro's presidency.

Prosecutors stated Rivera and associate Esther Nuhfer attempted to influence U.S. officials to ease sanctions without registering as required. Rivera, who served in Congress from 2011 to 2013, was taken into custody following the verdict on December 13, 2024, and faces additional charges in Washington, D.C. Rivera denied the allegations, stating his actions were aimed at promoting democracy in Venezuela.

Testimony in the five-week trial included statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Rivera, his former roommate, informed him of a plan to convince Maduro to step down. "He provided me with insight into some of the key phrases that regime insiders would’ve wanted to hear to know this was serious," Rubio testified, according to NBC News.

Rubio added that he delivered a Senate speech shortly after, signaling no U.S. retaliation against Venezuelan insiders aiding Maduro's removal. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, testified he was shocked to learn of Rivera's contract with PDV USA. A Washington lobbyist also testified to similar surprise.

The U.S. government has not publicly released details on any outcomes from Rivera's alleged lobbying efforts.

In the Kentucky Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, the president endorsed Rep. , in the Republican primary. Following the endorsement, challenger Nate Morris, a businessman described in reports as MAGA-aligned, withdrew from the race after being offered an ambassador position, which he accepted.

Politico reported the endorsement on May 1, 2026, noting it reshuffled the primary. The Washington Times stated Barr received the endorsement amid his campaign launch. Just the News confirmed the endorsement and Morris's withdrawal.

Reports from Mario Nawfal on X mentioned Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., facing sexual assault allegations and messaging a former intern on Snapchat as recently as December 2024. No court filings or official statements from Swalwell were detailed in the available sources. The allegations have not been publicly confirmed by law enforcement as of the reports' dates.

Rep. , stated on CNN that Pete Hegseth, nominated for a cabinet position, could face execution for war crimes similar to Nazi submarine captains post-World War II. Moulton referenced military operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, stating, "Absolutely.

" According to Zerohedge, Moulton cited press reports describing killed individuals as fishermen. No direct response from Hegseth or the administration was quoted in the available sources. The Pentagon has not publicly released evidence confirming narco-terrorist involvement in the targeted vessels as of the report dates.

These events occurred amid discussions on international relations and border security, with Rivera's case linked to activities during Maduro's rule and Moulton's comments addressing current counter-narcotics operations.