The arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces highlights the significant political influence of Marco Rubio, who serves as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in Donald Trump's administration.
According to an in-depth CNN report, the military operation against Maduro was not an unexpected shift in U.S. foreign policy but rather the culmination of a long-standing ideological journey.
Growing up in Miami, Rubio was deeply influenced by the Cuban exile community's narrative, often hearing his grandfather recount tales of resistance against communism and life under Fidel Castro's dictatorship (1926-2016). This upbringing shaped his perspective on power and the United States' role in Latin America.
This background translated into a political career closely tied to the Cuban-American community in South Florida, where opposition to leftist regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua is a central theme, as highlighted in the report.
Rubio rose through the ranks, initially in local and state politics, and later in Congress, becoming a leading advocate for a hardline stance against Chavismo, particularly targeting Maduro.
CNN emphasized that as a senator, Rubio was a persistent voice calling for sanctions, international isolation, and direct pressure on Caracas.
In 2014, he warned the U.S. Senate that Venezuela was following "the same path as Cuba," and for years he used his platform to highlight Venezuela's repression and humanitarian crisis, solidifying his role as a key Washington voice in the Western Hemisphere.
After his failed presidential run in 2016, Rubio bolstered his reputation as a foreign policy strategist.
The report notes that during Trump's second term (2025-2029), Rubio adapted his rhetoric, maintaining regime change as a goal but framing it in terms of drug trafficking, national security, and countering Russian and Chinese influence—arguments that ultimately prevailed within the White House.
According to CNN, Maduro's capture solidified Rubio's status as the face of a new era in U.S. foreign policy in Latin America—one that has diminished Congress's role in military decisions and introduced significant regional uncertainty.
Trump even suggested that Rubio would help "manage" Venezuela during the transition following the Chavista leader's arrest.
The political impact extends beyond Venezuela. In South Florida, parts of the Cuban exile community see Maduro's downfall as a direct precedent for Cuba.
Recent statements by Trump and Rubio, who warned that if he were in the Cuban government, he would be "concerned," fuel the perception that Havana could be the next target in a strategy deeply rooted in personal, ideological, and electoral motivations.
Trump recently shared a post on Truth Social from a user claiming that Rubio would be "president of Cuba," adding his approval: "Sounds good to me!"
Understanding the Political Landscape in Cuba and Venezuela
What role has Marco Rubio played in U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela?
Marco Rubio has been a leading advocate for a hardline stance against the Venezuelan regime, pushing for sanctions and international isolation while highlighting the regime's human rights abuses.
How did Rubio's upbringing influence his political career?
Rubio's upbringing in Miami, surrounded by the Cuban exile community, deeply influenced his political views, particularly his opposition to communist regimes and his focus on Latin American policy.
Why is Rubio's influence significant in the capture of Nicolás Maduro?
Rubio's influence is significant because he has been a prominent figure advocating for regime change in Venezuela, contributing to the strategy that led to the capture of Maduro.