BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration’s military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, asserting to Caribbean leaders that the move has improved regional stability despite objections over its legality. Rubio made the remarks Wednesday during a meeting with leaders of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) bloc in St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to a transcript released by the U.S. State Department, Rubio stated, “Irrespective of how some of you may have individually felt about our operations and our policy toward Venezuela, I will notify you this and I will tell you this without any apology or without any apprehension: Venezuela is better off today than it was eight weeks ago.” He cited “substantial” progress made by interim authorities since Maduro’s removal in January, claiming improvements that were previously “unimaginable.”
The CARICOM summit convened as President Donald Trump has pursued a more assertive foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere, echoing elements of the Monroe Doctrine. This approach has coincided with increased U.S. Focus on potential military conflict with Iran. Rubio’s visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including a recent incident involving a shootout at sea between Cuban forces and individuals aboard a Florida-registered speedboat, resulting in four fatalities. Rubio stated the U.S. Is gathering information on the incident and will “be prepared to respond accordingly.”
Rubio sought to downplay any perception of antagonism in the U.S.’s regional strategy, referring to Trump’s approach as a desire to strengthen ties and address shared challenges like crime and economic development. “I am very happy to be in an administration that’s giving priority to the Western Hemisphere after largely being ignored for a very long time,” he said. He emphasized the importance of collaboration on economic advancement and energy exploration, acknowledging the potential for partnerships with Caribbean nations possessing energy resources.
The U.S. Government recognizes the necessitate for “fair, democratic elections” in Venezuela, Rubio added, suggesting that a stable and legitimate Venezuela could become a valuable partner for countries in the region. The Trump administration has expressed support for Delcy Rodríguez, who was Maduro’s vice president and is now serving as interim president, particularly regarding her openness to investment from U.S. Oil companies.
During his State of the Union address Tuesday, President Trump characterized Maduro’s ouster as “an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States.” Prior to the January 3 raid, the U.S. Had amassed the largest military presence in the Caribbean Sea in decades, a force now partially redirected to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly supported the U.S. Escalation, and Rubio thanked her for this support, according to the State Department. Persad-Bissessar indicated that her discussions with Rubio covered issues including Haiti, Cuba, and the future of engagement with Venezuela. When asked about the legality of recent U.S. Military actions in Caribbean waters, she stated that legal advice suggested they were not extrajudicial killings.
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current chair of CARICOM, acknowledged that the region “stands at a decisive hour” and that “the global order is shifting.” He and other leaders raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, warning that a prolonged crisis could destabilize the wider Caribbean basin. Rubio responded by asserting that the “Cuba status quo is unacceptable” and that obstacles to U.S. Assistance are rooted in the Cuban regime.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced Wednesday a slight easing of restrictions on the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, a move coinciding with the implementation of fuel-saving measures in Cuba following the U.S. Operation in Venezuela.
