Rubio Says Trump’s Venezuela Policy Clear: ‘Maduro Is Not Legitimate Leader, UN Stance Irrelevant’

In his September 4, 2025 press briefing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded sharply to questions about whether the Trump administration would expand unilateral military actions against drug traffickers in countries beyond Venezuela, such as Mexico or Ecuador. Labeling Venezuela a “terrorist organization” masquerading as a government, Rubio claimed Maduro is an indicted fugitive and drug trafficker, not a legitimate head of state. Watch the video for more.