Republicans are furious with Trump’s new plan, warning he is handing millions to a woman who ‘worked hand-in-hand’ with a dictator

Florida Republicans are raising serious doubts about the Trump administration’s plan to sell Venezuelan oil while the country’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, remains in power. Lawmakers worry the money will end up in the wrong hands instead of helping the Venezuelan people.

President Donald Trump recently signed an order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to manage the revenue from selling up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude. The goal is to use that money for “public, governmental or diplomatic purposes” that benefit the Venezuelan people. The initial oil deal earned $500 million, and reports show $300 million was already sent to Venezuela’s economy last week.

According to Semafor, the main concern for Florida Republicans is Delcy Rodríguez’s history of corruption. She worked closely with former President Nicolás Maduro, and many believe her cooperation with the US is just covering up a deep-rooted patronage system that hasn’t changed since Maduro’s capture.

Rodríguez’s corruption record raises red flags for lawmakers

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Republican from Florida, expressed strong skepticism about the interim leader. He said that while she might be doing what the Trump administration wants right now, “if they could, [Rodríguez’s government] would go back to their usual ways.” Díaz-Balart noted that Rodríguez isn’t just Maduro’s former vice president; she “has a very extensive record of corruption.” He added, “I mean, frankly, she’s done horrific things.”

The administration is standing firm on its approach. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the energy sales would “restore prosperity and security in Venezuela, safeguarding the economic and national security interests of the United States.”

She urged people to have faith, saying, “Trust in President Trump, he is the ultimate Dealmaker-in-Chief who has brokered many great deals on behalf of the American people.” The administration previously paused military action against Venezuela after claiming cooperation from the country.

Legal experts share the concerns of Florida lawmakers. They point to the failed Oil-for-Food Programme the United Nations set up for Iraq after Saddam Hussein was removed from power. That program had widespread abuse and no accountability. Experts question how the US can prevent the same problems, especially since the money is still going through processes controlled by Maduro’s former associates.

Venezuela also has creditors worldwide, which creates another problem. To protect the revenue from being seized, the administration put the money from the first sale into a Qatari bank account. Lawmakers were told that keeping the cash away from Caracas’ creditors, especially debts owed to Russia and Cuba, was a top priority. Meanwhile, the opposition has raised concerns about Venezuela’s rushed oil regulation changes.

Rep. María Salazar, another Florida Republican, is demanding ongoing oversight. She said she plans to investigate the situation, adding, “We’re definitely going to say, ‘That has to fall in American hands.'” She noted the risks, saying, “We know what those people do with that money.

They’re not going to give it to the hospitals in Caracas.” Rep. Carlos Giménez agreed, stressing that the funds should pay public servants and buy necessary goods for the people, but “it’s not to put in the regime’s pocket.”