Maduro's Second In Command Insults Marco Rubio: 'Impossible To Get a More Imbecilic Secretary of State'

Diosdado Cabello, the Venezuelan regime's second-in-command, slammed Marco Rubio, saying it is "impossible to get a more imbecilic" Secretary of State in the history of the U.S.

In an interview Cabello repeated the claim that the "U.S. wants to steal Venezuela's resources with the excuse of regime change."

Cabello went on to insult Rubio and claimed that those who believe "this country will surrender" don't know "the history of Venezuela." "At the time of defending we will do it with all instruments at our disposal," he added.

Cabello has repeatedly slammed the Trump administration and rejected any chance of the regime leaving power. Earlier this month Cabello said "the only negotiation is that they respect this Constitution because there were elections and Maduro won."

Cabello said those pushing for a transition "want to be given what they could not obtain through votes." He described the idea as driven by "advisers who don't know anything," adding that opponents were advancing a narrative targeting Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, senior officials Jorge and Delcy Rodríguez, and authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro himself.

The national electoral authority declared Maduro the winner of the July 28, 2024 election, although the opposition published tallies showing candidate Edmundo González winning with 65% of the vote. Maduro's self-proclaimed victory has been heavily questioned by the international community since.

A recent report by the Wall Street Journal claims that most members of the Venezuelan regime believe the U.S.'s military campaign off its coast is a bluff and they could only be ousted with troops on the ground.

The outlet noted that Maduro doesn't think he would get lasting amnesty and only feels safe when surrounded by loyalists.

Moreover, analysts believe a ground invasion is unlikely, especially considering President Donald Trump said he doesn't think the U.S. will go to war with Venezuela. As a result, staying in Venezuela is the safest option for Maduro, Moises Naim, an academic and writer told the outlet.

Another report claimed that U.S. officials also believe it will be hard to convince Maduro to leave, but because he could be executed by Cuban handlers.

Axios detailed that the assessment took place as President Donald Trump plans to speak directly with Maduro even as the U.S. continues its military buildup off its coast.

Trump said on Tuesday that he "might talk" with Maduro. "If we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, that's fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, that's fine too."