Summary
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in the trial of a former congressman accused of illegal lobbying for Venezuela. Rubio is the first sitting Cabinet member to testify in a criminal trial in 43 years. The case involves charges related to money laundering and unregistered foreign lobbying.
Key Facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in Miami about a trial involving a former congressman, David Rivera.
- Rivera is accused of lobbying for Venezuela without registering as a foreign agent.
- This is the first time in 43 years a sitting Cabinet member testified in a criminal trial.
- The last time this occurred was in 1983 when Labor Secretary Raymond Donovan testified.
- Rivera and an associate face charges of money laundering and unregistered lobbying.
- Rubio's testimony included details of his relationship with Rivera, dating back to their time in the Florida Legislature.
- Rubio was skeptical of a 2017 plan discussed by Rivera to persuade Venezuela's president to step down.
