ASSISTANT SECRETARY JOHNSON: To ask a question during this briefing, please use the “raise your hand” feature. Once you’re selected, unmute your line to pose your query. We’ll begin with Gabe Gutierrez of NBC.
QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Regarding the timing of María Corina Machado’s return, can you confirm whether the U.S. encouraged her to return at this time or played any role in facilitating her arrival? Additionally, on a logistical matter, how much oil has the U.S. imported from Venezuela since Maduro’s arrest? The President has cited various figures, but do you have the most current data on imports?
SECRETARY RUBIO: On the oil figures, I don’t have an updated number readily available. What I can share is that Venezuelan oil is now being sold on the global market. A significant portion of the heavy crude is refined at facilities in the southern United States, while some is processed in India, which has increased its purchases. Previously, due to sanctions, Venezuelan oil was sold at steep discounts. For instance, China never paid cash for the oil; instead, they credited the value against Venezuela’s outstanding debt.
Under the previous arrangement, Venezuela had to offload its oil at deep discounts worldwide. However, following the developments of January 3rd, the oil is now being sold at market rates, with proceeds deposited into a Treasury-controlled account. These funds are then distributed monthly and biweekly through a licensing process administered by the Treasury Department. I don’t have the precise figures flowing through that account at this time, but I can obtain that information for you.
Regarding María Corina’s return, the only instance where I personally advised caution was immediately after the recent earthquake. The focus then was entirely on deploying relief aid, and I communicated that the timing wasn’t optimal for her return, as airlift operations for humanitarian assistance were our priority. Ensuring unimpeded access for medical teams and supplies was critical during that emergency.
As for her return yesterday, we were aware of her intentions to come back. Weeks in advance, we engaged with interim authorities and conveyed our expectation that she, as a Venezuelan citizen, should be permitted to return without hindrance. They confirmed her ability to travel to the airport, and we relayed this to her team. Some countries imposed bilateral restrictions, reflecting their own strategic interests, but these were not influenced by U.S. actions. She successfully entered the country without incident.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY JOHNSON: Next question from Ed Wong of The New York Times.
I believe you’re on mute, Ed. Can you hear us?
QUESTION: Here I am. Secretary Rubio, regarding the tension in María Corina’s statements about the current oil partnership, she has criticized Betancourt’s involvement, arguing the deal reflects the interests of the old regime. The U.S. frames this agreement as essential for Venezuela’s economic recovery. How do you reconcile these contrasting perspectives?
SECRETARY RUBIO: The oil agreement represents just one segment of Venezuela’s broader energy sector. The company involved, NABEP, controls fields previously managed by Chinese and Russian entities. We had alternatives, but partnering with them offers greater strategic benefits. While they are the largest private operator under license, they don’t represent the entirety of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
Crucially, our involvement has enabled the company to attract substantial capital investments, addressing years of underfunding caused by sanctions and mismanagement. The previous administration diverted resources without reinvesting in infrastructure, leading to declining production. Our partnership provides the stability needed for these companies to secure financing and expand output, without requiring direct U.S. funding.
Additionally, this arrangement confers strategic advantages to the United States, including emergency access to reserves and a mechanism for generating government revenue. As for María Corina’s critique, that’s her prerogative. Our contract is structured to comply with U.S. legal frameworks on anti-corruption and financial oversight, ensuring transparency and accountability.
This dynamic underscores why we prefer collaboration with trusted partners over adversarial relationships with state actors. The agreement accelerates investment in Venezuela’s energy sector, fostering economic growth that benefits the broader population.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY JOHNSON: Next question from Marc Caputo of Axios.
QUESTION: Secretary Rubio, what level of confidence do you place in Delcy Rodríguez’s commitment to the ongoing transition? How do you respond to her recent criticisms of perceived external interference, particularly from the U.S.?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Evaluating this situation hinges on tangible actions rather than rhetoric. The interim authorities have taken concrete steps aligned with U.S. national security interests, including reducing Iranian and Cuban influence, pursuing criminal organizations, and facilitating the extradition of individuals like Alex Saab, who has since pleaded guilty and is cooperating as a witness.
They’ve also supported institutional reforms, such as restructuring the Supreme Court and advancing electoral preparations. Trust is earned through consistent execution of agreed-upon commitments. Our focus remains on achieving measurable outcomes—establishing a new judiciary, electoral council, and democratic processes.
This initiative represents a unique opportunity to address longstanding challenges in Venezuela. While skepticism persists, the collaborative framework we’ve established has yielded substantive progress. Continued engagement, coupled with reciprocal actions from all parties, strengthens prospects for meaningful reform.
The dialogue remains active, with regular consultations between teams. Despite occasional tensions, mutual objectives drive the conversation forward. Sustained commitment from both sides ensures continued momentum toward democratic governance.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY JOHNSON: Final questions from The Wall Street Journal’s Vera Bergengruen.
QUESTION: Secretary Rubio, what safeguards exist to prevent the current government from leveraging these conditions to indefinitely postpone elections? How will Washington apply pressure to maintain timeline adherence?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Venezuela’s economic dependency on U.S. sanctions relief serves as leverage. Continued progress requires meeting benchmarks outlined in our agreement. Each milestone reinforces accountability, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon schedules despite recent earthquakes causing delays.
Our strategy emphasizes incentives tied to concrete achievements rather than abstract promises. Should parties fail to fulfill obligations, consequences follow accordingly. Clear communication channels facilitate ongoing negotiations, fostering trust through consistent action. Timelines matter deeply—for Venezuelans yearning for democracy and for America’s credibility abroad.
This window presents an unprecedented opportunity for peaceful transformation. Failure risks returning to chaos—street protests, violence, or renewed authoritarianism. That outcome would harm ordinary citizens most severely.
The path forward demands unwavering dedication from all stakeholders—interim authorities, opposition leaders, international observers, and the U.S. itself. With resolve, we can guide Venezuela toward lasting stability and freedom.
Our approach differs fundamentally from predecessors. Rather than making irreversible concessions upfront, we’ve structured this agreement around verifiable milestones. This ensures genuine reform rather than symbolic gestures. Electoral integrity depends on replacing outdated institutions with new ones reflecting democratic principles.
Every element must align—transparent voting systems, independent judiciary, free press, civil society participation—all essential components of authentic democracy. This comprehensive framework distinguishes our efforts from historical precedents marked by empty rhetoric and manipulated outcomes.
The difference lies in substance over style—measurable change supported by international verification—not performative politics disconnected from reality.
QUESTION: Have Delcy Rodríguez and Jorge Simón been offered immunity or other incentives to advance the transition? On Cuba, why encourage working with the CIA instead of nonviolent resistance?
SECRETARY RUBIO: No discussions regarding immunity or prosecutions have occurred. Venezuela faces critical choices: pursue genuine reconciliation and reform enabling fair elections, or risk descending into chaos through violence or authoritarian regression. This process represents humanity’s best hope for avoiding catastrophic outcomes.
Peaceful protest alone cannot achieve sustainable democracy—structural change requires institutional transformation. This pathway offers realistic potential for success. Failure invites renewed conflict, devastating consequences for Venezuelans.
Our goal remains clear: facilitate democratic transition through coordinated effort. Every stakeholder bears responsibility for preserving opportunities for peace and prosperity. History watches closely—let us honor commitments made to those seeking freedom.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY JOHNSON: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you all for participating. For follow-up inquiries, contact the Department’s media inquiry system at state.gov/newsroom. This concludes today’s briefing.
