President Donald Trump said he instructed the U.S. to open up “all commercial airspace” over Venezuela.

Rubio said the U.S. doesn't anticipate that it will need to exert military force in Venezuela, but reserves the right to do so to protect the "national interest of the United States."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's appearance in the Senate will mark the first time Trump’s administration has formally answered questions over the raid on Venezuela.

The CIA is quietly working to establish a permanent US presence on the ground in Venezuela, spearheading the Trump administration’s plans to exert its new-found influence over the country’s future, according to multiple sources familiar with the planning.

Rubio said "the president does reserve the option in self defense."

The US Secretary of State remained robustly on message when asked about the legality of Maduro's removal, plans for oil sales, and the future of Venezuela.

By Marianna Parraga Jan 29 (Reuters) - Lawmakers approved in a final vote on Thursday a sweeping reform of Venezuela's main oil law after sweetening a proposal by interim President Delcy Rodriguez to lower taxes,