U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Oversees Venezuela Revenue Distribution Under Treasury Sanctions Framework

The New York Times reported on July 11, 2026, that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been involved in decisions regarding Venezuela's finances and government operations in recent months. The article described Rubio's role in a system where the U.S. Treasury Department receives revenue from Venezuelan exports, including petroleum, and disburses funds through private banks subject to conditions.

According to the New York Times, the arrangement requires regular contact between Rubio and acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez. The report stated that Rodríguez depends on the disbursed funds to pay workers and support the national currency. Nicolás Maduro was taken into U.S. custody in January 2026 and faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States.

The New York Times characterized the financial arrangement as one in which the Treasury Department distributes revenue to Venezuela under conditions set by Rubio. The article did not identify the operators of the vessels transporting Venezuelan petroleum exports.

The U.S. government has not released a public statement detailing the legal basis for the current revenue distribution mechanism beyond existing sanctions authorities.

The Jerusalem Post reported that Rubio is said to be controlling Venezuela's finances, government, and natural resources. Truthout described the arrangement as Rubio acting as an imperial "viceroy" of Venezuela. Daily Kos reported on a separate matter involving a Venezuelan gang and Trump administration contacts but did not address the Treasury revenue distribution system.

The New York Times article did not include statements from U.S. Treasury officials or State Department spokespeople explaining the operational procedures. No comments from Venezuela's foreign ministry appear in the reporting. The article did not cite specific Treasury regulations or executive orders governing the current disbursement conditions.