WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-President Trump issued a strong endorsement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, declaring that U.S. relations with Venezuela are progressing strongly as oil begins to flow again from the South American nation.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump highlighted ongoing engagement with Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez and her representatives.

“We are dealing very well with President Delcy Rodriguez, and her Representatives,” Trump wrote. “Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be greatly helping the people of Venezuela. Marco Rubio, and all of our Representatives, are doing a fantastic job, but we speak only for ourselves, and don’t want there to be any confusion or misrepresentation.”

Trump’s comments come amid the Trump administration’s efforts to stabilize Venezuela following the U.S. military operation that captured former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, was sworn in as interim leader, and the U.S. has pushed for cooperation on oil production, counter-narcotics and reducing ties with adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and Cuba.

The president expressed enthusiasm for Rubio’s role, writing, “WE LOVE MARCO! 🇺🇸”

Trump also addressed a recent Wall Street Journal article about Florida energy mogul Harry Sargeant III, a Trump ally who has pursued opportunities in Venezuela’s oil sector.

“There is a story about a man named Harry Sargeant III in The Wall Street Journal,” Trump stated. “He has no authority, in any way, shape, or form, to act on behalf of the United States of America, nor does anyone else that is not approved by the State Department. Without this approval, no one is authorized to represent our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”

The clarification highlights the administration’s insistence that only officially approved channels—led by the State Department under Rubio—handle U.S. dealings with Venezuela.

The statement reflects broader U.S. policy aims to revive Venezuela’s oil industry through American companies, with proceeds intended to benefit Venezuelans while advancing U.S. interests in energy security and regional stability. Trump has previously described potential oil deals as a way to “make Venezuela great again” without significant U.S. costs.

Rubio, a longtime critic of the Maduro regime, has played a central role in negotiations and has testified to Congress that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela but is using economic leverage, including a naval quarantine on certain oil exports, to ensure cooperation.

No immediate response was available from the State Department or Venezuelan officials to Trump’s latest remarks.