Rivera's Trial: Venezuela Lobbying, Encrypted Chats

0:00It's March 23rd from Global Headlines to Breaking Up Dates. This is Global News Today. The Federal Trial of Former Miami Congressman David Rivera starts Monday. Prosecutors say he secretly lobbied for Venezuela's government under Nicolas Maduro during the first Trump administration. They claim Rivera landed a $50 million contract from the state oil company PDBSA and used his Republican ties to soften U.S. policy toward. The socialist regime Rivera allegedly worked through a media tycoon named Raul Goren and set up encrypted chats with cold words like bus driver for Maduro and melons, for millions in payments. An 11 count indictment from 2022 accuses him of money laundering and not registering as a foreign agent. He and an associate face charges over hiding the work, Rivera and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were once close friends and roommates in Florida politics. Rubio takes the stand this week, a rare move for a cabinet member to explain their interactions.

1:04Prosecutors say Rivera saw Rubio as a key contact to reach the White House, though Rubio isn't accused of any wrong. Efforts included pushing for meetings with exon executives and representative Pete Sessions to ease oil disputes and bill ties. Those fill flat amid Trump's maximum pressure campaign, including sanctions on Maduro. Rubio's team argues his firm helped the U.S. arm of the oil company legitimately and denies any illegal lobbying. As the trial unfolds, it spotlights old Venezuela connections and failed backchannels with both sides digging into past dealings that shape U.S. policy.