Secretary of State Marco Rubio is testifying against his former roommate in a federal trial exposing how Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro allegedly purchased influence with Trump administration insiders through a $50 million secret lobbying scheme that violated foreign agent registration laws. Former Allies Square Off in Miami Courtroom The federal trial of David Rivera opened March 23, 2026, in Miami with prosecutors alleging the former congressman secretly worked for Venezuela’s socialist government while leveraging his Republican connections. Rivera and Rubio once shared a Tallahassee home when both served in Florida’s legislature, with Rubio rising to House speaker. That relationship now places Rubio in the uncomfortable position of government witness against his old friend. The 11-count indictment, unsealed in 2022, charges Rivera and associate Esther Nuhfer with laundering money and failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. $50 Million Contract Masks Influence Operation Prosecutors contend Rivera secured a $50 million contract from Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA through its U.S. subsidiary Citgo in 2017, using it as cover for illegal lobbying. Rivera allegedly arranged access to the White House and Exxon executives for Venezuelan media tycoon Raúl Gorrín, who served as conduit to Maduro’s government. The scheme included facilitating meetings at Rubio’s D.C. residence on July 9, 2017, and coaching Rubio before a Trump meeting two days later. Former Texas Representative Pete Sessions even traveled to Caracas for a secret Maduro meeting arranged by Rivera and Gorrín. Of the contract amount, approximately $20 million was paid, with $3.75 million funneled to a yacht company tied to Gorrín. Encrypted Chats Reveal Code Words and Cash Demands Evidence includes encrypted messages from a chat group labeled “MIA” where participants used code words to discuss the operation. Maduro was referred to as “bus driver” while money became “melons” in their communications. After Rivera’s meeting with Rubio, he messaged contacts stating there would be “no turkey” without financial support, prosecutors allege. Gorrín, charged separately with bribing Venezuelan officials, allegedly received funds through the arrangement. Rivera’s defense claims he performed legitimate work for Citgo as a U.S. company and pursued regime change efforts against Maduro, not support for the dictator. A parallel civil lawsuit argues Rivera delivered little actual work for the massive payments received. White House Chief of Staff Linked to Venezuelan Figures The defense attempted to subpoena Susie Wiles, now serving as Trump’s White House Chief of Staff, regarding her lobbying firm’s work for Gorrín. Ballard Partners, where Wiles worked, lobbied for Gorrín’s Globovisión media company without registering under FARA. Prosecutors successfully blocked the Wiles subpoena in January 2026, and the judge sealed related materials. The defense also sought testimony from Maduro himself, knowing he would invoke his right to remain silent. No charges have been filed against Rubio or Wiles, though their involvement highlights how foreign influence penetrated Trump’s inner circle. This case raises serious questions about who was really shaping America First policies while patriots thought they were draining the swamp. Rubio to testify in trial of former roommate accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela https://t.co/N1Gm1Q3pqN — Daily Breeze (@DailyBreezeNews) March 23, 2026 Rivera’s checkered past includes a 2012 scandal funding a spoiler candidate, with charges ultimately dropped in 2025, plus uncharged investigations into campaign finance violations and gambling operations. For Miami’s Cuban-American exile community, which fled socialism and views Maduro as an existential threat to freedom in Latin America, the allegations represent a profound betrayal. The trial exposes gaps in FARA enforcement that allowed GOP operatives to profit from a regime publicly condemned by the administration they advised. Rubio’s backchannel communications with Gorrín were framed by prosecutors as occurring amid threats from Venezuelan official Diosdado Cabello, suggesting the contacts served both policy and personal security purposes. Whether Rivera faces conviction on all counts or successfully argues he was working toward regime change rather than regime support remains to be determined as testimony continues. Sources: Rubio to testify in trial of former roommate accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela – ABC News Trump Allies Rubio and Wiles Ensnared in Venezuela Lobbying Scandal – National Today Former Ally of Rubio in Florida Facing Charges for Acting as Unregistered Foreign Agent for Venezuela – Latin Times The Miami Trial Exposing Foreign Influence in Trumpland – The Lever