Trump and Rubio to Showcase Venezuelan Oil Tanker on Texas Campaign Swing

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio plan to show off a newly arrived tanker of Venezuelan crude in Port Arthur, Texas, on Tuesday, during a day of campaigning in the state.

The oil is bound for Texas refineries, the Associated Press reported, relying on a congressional aide and two U.S. officials who described the plans on condition of anonymity before they were announced.

Trump also has rallies scheduled in Corpus Christi and Lubbock as he works to shore up Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who is locked in a tight race with Democrat James Talarico.

The trip marks the first time Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, has hit the road with Trump this campaign season. It is unclear whether he will take part in any political events.

It is highly unusual for the nation’s top diplomat to join political travel. Attorney General Todd Blanche has already appeared at rallies alongside Republican candidates this fall.

Rubio, a 2016 presidential candidate, is seen as a top 2028 prospect. He has not said whether he will run and has limited his political activity since becoming secretary of state.

Rubio on Machado’s Return

The Texas stop comes a day after Rubio said Washington told Venezuela’s interim authorities “weeks and weeks ago” that opposition leader María Corina Machado should be allowed to return, El País reported.

“Our expectation is that she’s a Venezuelan, she belongs in her country,” Rubio told reporters on a conference call Monday. “She should be allowed to return. She should be allowed to return unperturbed.”

Rubio said the U.S. discouraged her return only in the days after the June 24 earthquakes, when humanitarian aid had to come first. He blamed third countries for the obstacles she ran into.

Machado had tried to go home at least seven times since early September. She finally returned Sunday after more than 10 months in exile, as crowds filled streets and highways on her way to Caracas.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said Machado “could have saved herself the show and returned through the country’s airports.” On Monday, Rodríguez insisted there is no political persecution in Venezuela.

Earlier this year, Rodríguez said Machado would have to answer to the courts over claims that she sought sanctions on Venezuela. Machado’s spokespeople now say she is ready to meet Rodríguez to reach agreements.

Earlier this month, Rubio met in Washington with Dinorah Figuera, who leads the opposition delegation negotiating with Rodríguez. Neither would say then when they would back Machado’s return or when elections might be held.

Back home, Republican strategists privately acknowledge the Iran war, which Trump often calls a “little detour,” is badly hurting the party’s effort to keep Congress as gas prices rise, the AP reported.

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