The New York Times reported in July 2026 that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wielded significant informal control over Venezuela's finances, resource distribution, and government operations following U.S. intervention. Media outlets and expert commentators have described him as a "viceroy" or de facto ruler of the country. Legal experts and administration critics have characterized this arrangement as unconstitutional and impeachable, though the structural mechanics of how this informal control operates remain incompletely detailed in public reporting. It's important to note that Rubio doesn't hold an official Venezuelan government position—rather, his influence appears to stem from U.S. diplomatic and financial leverage over the country's institutions and resources.