Rubio's Deputy Faces Backlash After Leaked 'Rogue' Actions

WHO:

Alternet - Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chris Landau (Rubio's deputy), President Trump, María Corina Machado (exiled opposition leader), Nicolás Maduro (Venezuelan President), Delcy Rodriguez (Maduro's Vice President).

The Daily Beast - Seven senior officials, the Netherlands ambassador, Panama’s foreign minister.

WHAT:

Alternet - Chris Landau is accused of secretly working to undermine President Trump’s policy in Venezuela.

The Daily Beast - Landau allegedly misled foreign officials about U.S. backing for Machado's travel plans.

Alternet - Two earthquakes hit Caracas, killing over 3,500 people and injuring thousands.

The Daily Beast - Machado attempted to return to Venezuela to help after the earthquakes but was blocked by the Trump administration twice.

WHERE:

Alternet - Caracas, Venezuela; Curaçao (Dutch island); Panama.

The Daily Beast - U.S. (where Machado resides), Venezuela.

WHEN:

Alternet - The earthquakes occurred on June 24.

Alternet - Machado's plane was forced to return on June 25.

Alternet - Landau communicated with Panama’s foreign minister on June 26.

The Daily Beast - Machado reached Panama by June 28.

WHY:

Alternet - There is a belief that Landau went "rogue" in his actions, which has caused discontent among senior officials and Rubio.

The Daily Beast - The relationship between Machado and the Trump administration has become strained, partly due to Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize instead of Trump.

HOW:

Alternet - Landau communicated with the Netherlands ambassador to facilitate Machado's travel.

The Daily Beast - Landau's miscommunication led to confusion regarding Machado's travel clearance, resulting in her plane being turned around mid-flight.

(UPDATED July 8, 2026 18:25 UTC)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his deputy Chris Landau are facing scrutiny after Landau allegedly undermined President Trump’s policy in Venezuela, particularly regarding exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado's travel plans. Following two devastating earthquakes in Caracas that killed over 3,500 people, Machado attempted to return to Venezuela to assist but was blocked by the Trump administration, leading to a strained relationship between her and Trump, especially after she won the Nobel Peace Prize. Landau's miscommunication with foreign officials, including the Netherlands ambassador and Panama’s foreign minister, resulted in confusion that forced Machado's plane to turn back mid-flight.