The criminal trial of former Congressman David Rivera is offering a glimpse into the events surrounding the attempted ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. A top Washington lobbyist, closely allied with President Donald Trump, testified in federal court about his involvement and subsequent concerns regarding a potentially illicit lobbying operation.

Lobbyist Details Initial Involvement

Brian Ballard testified that he immediately severed ties with Rivera in 2020 after discovering Venezuela’s government had awarded the Miami Republican a $50 million contract. This revelation contradicted Ballard’s understanding that they were both working to oppose the Maduro regime. Ballard, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been a key witness in the trial, which centers on charges that Rivera secretly lobbied for Maduro’s government without properly registering as a foreign agent.

Connections to Trump and Venezuelan Leaders

The case involves individuals connected to both Trump and Venezuela’s leaders, as well as a billionaire, Diego Marín Belmonte (known as Gorrín), accused of funneling embezzled oil money to the Venezuelan democratic opposition while simultaneously seeking to facilitate deals for Maduro’s government to ease U.S. sanctions.

Allegations Against Rivera

Prosecutors allege that Rivera, after leaving Congress, became a hired operative for Maduro, utilizing his long-standing friendship with Rubio and other Republican contacts to pressure the White House to soften its stance on Venezuela. Rivera, 60, maintains his innocence, claiming he worked as a business strategist for a U.S. affiliate of Venezuela’s state-run oil company, exempting him from the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Defense Challenges Testimony

Following Ballard’s testimony, which included text messages, emails, and lobbying records, the defense requested a mistrial. They argued that prosecutors improperly suggested Rivera attempted to involve Ballard in the alleged conspiracy. Judge Melissa Damian denied the motion.

Early Interactions and Concerns

Ballard recounted a decades-long friendship with Rubio and Rivera, originating during their time in the Florida Legislature. Ballard Partners later represented the Trump organization in Florida. Ballard testified that Rivera initially approached him about representing Venezuela’s opposition during Trump’s first term. “Anything we could do to help end the Maduro regime would’ve been very much of interest to me,” Ballard stated.

Meeting with Key Figures

Ballard also advised Rex Tillerson, Trump’s first Secretary of State, and relied on Rivera as a liaison to Senator Rubio, who had reservations about Tillerson’s views on Venezuela. Rubio testified previously about his interactions with Gorrín, a media tycoon whose attempts to influence Washington officials highlight the risks of foreign influence campaigns. Ballard and Rivera, along with Gorrín, traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2017 to meet with Venezuelan opposition leaders. They also met with Lilian Tintori, the wife of imprisoned opposition leader Leopoldo López, at Gorrín’s Miami mansion.

Growing Distrust and Termination of Relationship

Ballard expressed regret over a contract signed with Gorrín’s Globovision network, despite concerns about the network’s coverage of Maduro. After learning of Gorrín’s federal investigation for money laundering, Ballard terminated the relationship. He refused to represent Venezuelan opposition figures without public disclosure, fearing it would endanger them. He sent a text to Rivera’s co-defendant, Esther Nuhfer, warning about the seriousness of FARA laws. Shortly after, Trump publicly called for López’s release, posting a photo with Tintori, Rubio, and Vice President Mike Pence.

Further Allegations and Testimony

Prosecutors claim Rivera attempted to arrange meetings for a Venezuelan official in multiple cities, involving Representative Pete Sessions, who is listed as a defense witness. Rivera’s lawyers also sought testimony from a lobbyist involved with Globovision, but the White House intervened. Ballard testified that he learned of Rivera’s $50 million contract in 2020 through a lawsuit alleging Rivera failed to perform any work. Rivera reportedly claimed the Trump administration was aware of his work with Maduro’s opponents, a claim Ballard found incredulous, leading him to block Rivera’s contact information.