Former Rep. David Rivera convicted in $50 million Venezuelan lobbying scheme

A jury found Rivera guilty on all counts, following a seven-week trial.

Published: May 1, 2026 1:35pm

Updated: May 1, 2026 1:45pm

Former Rep. David Rivera, R-Fla., was convicted Friday for his role in a $50 million Venezuelan lobbying scheme.

Prosecutors had alleged that Rivera took money from now-acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to lobby the Trump administration, during its first term, to soften its position on Caracas, Politico reported.

A jury found Rivera guilty on all counts, following a seven-week trial. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, both provided testimony.

Rivera served from 2011 to 2013  and represented much of the north Miami area. He previously served in the state House of Representatives.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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