The following is the transcript of the interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 4, 2026.

NBC’s Kristen Welker challenged Secretary of State Marco Rubio over President Donald Trump launching a strike against Venezuela and capturing its president Nicolás Maduro without the approval of congress. The move sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers who argued the action was “illegal.”

The secretary of state said that a military “quarantine” on some oil exports would stay in place to put pressure on the country’s acting leadership.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez's potential succession is complicated by constitutional law and conflicting US policy statements regarding the nation's future and its oil reserves

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to clarify President Donald Trump’s remarks that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed Sunday with “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan after she questioned why the United States didn’t arrest other indicted members of the Venezuelan government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were on "This Week" Sunday, January 4. This is a rush transcript and may be updated

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern about European crackdowns on free speech affecting American tourists and social media platforms.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed concerns about military action in Venezuela turning out the way U.S. actions did in Iraq, Syria, or Libya, during an interview Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press.