The hearing marked Rubio’s first public appearance before Congress since U.S. forces carried out the operation that led to Maduro’s removal. Lawmakers from both parties pressed the administration for clarity, reflecting unease over how the operation was conducted and what comes next for U.S. involvement in Venezuela.

Rubio said the Trump administration is now dealing with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a longtime Maduro ally who assumed office following his arrest. While warning that military pressure could continue if U.S. demands are ignored, Rubio emphasized that current talks are focused on cooperation rather than confrontation.

According to Rubio, Venezuela’s leadership has shown openness toward rebuilding ties with Washington after years of strained relations. He told senators that officials on both sides are engaging respectfully and productively, adding that the United States could reopen a diplomatic presence in the country in the near future.

He argued that Venezuela had become strategically important due to the presence and influence of U.S. adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran. Removing Maduro, Rubio said, was necessary to address what he described as an untenable security situation affecting both the region and U.S. interests.

Rubio told the committee that, for the first time in two decades, serious discussions are underway to reduce foreign influence in Venezuela. He said many political and economic actors inside the country favor renewed engagement with the United States across trade, security, and diplomatic fronts.

The secretary of state is also expected to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, fueling speculation about Washington’s long-term political vision for the country. Questions remain over whether the U.S. would support a leadership transition beyond the interim government.

The administration’s handling of the Maduro operation has sparked debate in Congress, particularly over war powers. A resolution aimed at limiting further military action without congressional approval narrowly failed after Vice President JD Vance broke a tie vote in the Senate.

Several lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of communication from the White House and State Department. Some said they were briefed late or not at all, while oil industry executives reportedly learned of the operation earlier than members of Congress.

Rubio defended the administration, saying secrecy was essential to operational success. He acknowledged confusion among lawmakers but said efforts are underway to keep Congress better informed as policy toward Venezuela evolves.

He also outlined short-term plans to manage Venezuelan oil sales under U.S. oversight, while emphasizing a broader goal of helping the country transition toward stability and prosperity. Rubio said the administration wants Venezuela to eventually choose its leaders through free and fair elections.

Democrats and some Republicans warned that the situation could escalate into a prolonged conflict. They pointed to past U.S. military engagements that began with limited objectives but expanded into costly, years-long wars without clear endpoints.

The close Senate vote and sharp exchanges during the hearing highlighted growing tensions between Congress and the White House over foreign policy authority. As the U.S. charts its next steps in Venezuela, lawmakers signaled they will continue to scrutinize the administration’s actions closely.

His comments come at a time when the U.S. has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, carrying out operations it says target drug trafficking networks, while officials in Venezuela continue to reject accusations linking the government to illegal narcotics activities.

Speaking to reporters in Florida before returning to Washington, Trump said there could soon be opportunities for communication with Maduro, although he emphasized that the outcome of any such contact would depend on how the discussions unfold in the coming days.

He did not disclose details about possible diplomatic channels or intermediaries but noted that Venezuelan authorities “would like to talk,” suggesting that some level of interest has been expressed, even as both countries exchange sharp public statements about security and legal issues.

U.S. officials recently held several internal meetings to evaluate potential military operations against targets inside Venezuela, according to people familiar with the briefings, though no final decisions have been announced and discussions remain preliminary.

Trump said he had “sort of made up my mind” regarding the next steps on Venezuela, indicating that a decision could be forthcoming, while Venezuelan authorities did not immediately comment on his latest remarks or the possibility of renewed engagement.

Earlier in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to designate a Venezuelan-linked group accused of involvement in drug trafficking as a “foreign terrorist organization,” a label that carries heavy legal consequences and could affect future U.S. actions.

American officials have long alleged that this organization collaborates with other criminal groups to move narcotics into the United States, while Maduro has repeatedly denied the accusations and accused Washington of fabricating claims for political purposes.

When asked whether such a designation would authorize new military measures against Venezuelan assets or infrastructure, Trump said it would provide the legal ability to take certain actions, though he added that no immediate decisions had been made.

The U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean has grown steadily, with the nation’s largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, recently deployed alongside additional warships, submarines and aircraft, creating one of the most visible shows of force in the region in recent years.

Human rights organizations have criticized the strikes on suspected drug boats, raising concerns about civilian casualties and calling for greater transparency, while some U.S. allies have urged Washington to ensure its operations comply with international law.

American officials maintain that the country is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels and that such missions are legally justified, arguing that military personnel involved in these operations are protected under U.S. statutes and legal guidance.

Venezuela, meanwhile, has increased defensive preparations and warned that foreign military actions could escalate tensions further, with local authorities saying they will take necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty.

A recent national survey showed that only a minority of Americans support using military force inside Venezuela without its government’s approval, reflecting ongoing public debate about the direction of U.S. policy toward the country.

Trump’s comments about possible talks came shortly after the Pentagon reported another incident in the eastern Pacific involving a strike on a suspected narcotics vessel, which resulted in several fatalities and added to a growing number of similar operations.

Officials say more than 80 people have been killed in such missions since early September, with U.S. military leaders describing the strikes as essential to disrupting narcotics routes, while legal experts continue to debate the broader implications of the strategy.

As both governments evaluate their options, the latest remarks from the White House highlight the possibility of a new diplomatic channel that could ease tensions, even as military actions continue and political disagreements remain unresolved.