A former U.S. congressman is slated to stand trial in Miami this week on federal charges that he secretly lobbied U.S. officials on behalf of the Venezuelan government without registering as a foreign agent, according to U.S. prosecutors and court filings. The case, which opens in federal court Monday, centers on allegations that the defendant accepted payments to influence U.S. policy toward Venezuela during the Trump administration.
Prosecutors allege the former lawmaker, identified in the indictment as David Rivera, was paid millions of dollars by entities linked to Venezuela to advocate for softer sanctions and improved bilateral ties. Rivera has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges including failure to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiracy to commit money laundering. His defense team disputes the allegations, arguing that his consulting work was legitimately contracted through a U.S. affiliate and did not require foreign agent registration.
The trial could spotlight high‑profile interactions from the period, including alleged efforts to arrange meetings between Venezuelan officials and U.S. lawmakers. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a longtime Florida Republican and former roommate of Rivera’s, is expected to testify about his interactions with the defendant during the period in question.
Federal authorities have portrayed the case as an example of covert influence operations in Washington, while defense lawyers have sought to frame Rivera’s actions as lawful advocacy aimed at shifting U.S. policy, including support for changes in Venezuela’s leadership. The proceedings are expected to last several weeks and could have broader implications for enforcement of foreign lobbying laws in Washington.
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