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 prominent Washington lobbyist, closely allied with President Donald Trump, testified in federal court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Miami.

Lobbyist Details Severed Ties

Brian Ballard testified that he immediately ended his relationship with Rivera in 2020 after learning Venezuela’s government had awarded the Miami Republican a $50 million contract. This revelation, according to Ballard, shattered his belief that both men were working to oppose the Maduro regime.

Key Witnesses and Allegations

Ballard, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been a key witness in the trial. Rivera is accused of secretly lobbying for Maduro’s government without registering as a foreign agent. Prosecutors allege Rivera leveraged his connections, including a long-standing friendship with Rubio, to influence the White House regarding Venezuela policy.

Rivera's Defense and the FARA Act

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). The defense sought a mistrial, alleging prosecutorial misconduct, but Judge Melissa Damian denied the motion.

Early Involvement and Shifting Allegiances

Ballard recounted how Rivera initially approached him about representing Venezuela’s opposition, a cause both men supported. Ballard testified that he advised Rex Tillerson, Trump’s first Secretary of State, and used Rivera as a liaison to Senator Rubio, who had reservations about Tillerson’s views on Venezuela.

The Role of Billionaire Gorrín

The testimony also highlighted the involvement of Venezuelan media tycoon Manuel Gorrín, who allegedly attempted to influence Trump administration officials. Gorrín, later indicted for bribery, initially presented himself as a supporter of democratic change in Venezuela.

Meetings and Contracts

Ballard described meetings with Gorrín and Venezuelan opposition figures, including Lilian Tintori, the wife of imprisoned opposition leader Leopoldo López. Gorrín’s network signed an $800,000 contract with Ballard’s firm, but Ballard later terminated the relationship after learning of Gorrín’s alleged illicit activities.

Ballard's Concerns and Final Break

Ballard expressed regret over the Gorrín contract and severed ties with Rivera after discovering the $50 million deal with the Venezuelan government. He testified that Rivera claimed the Trump administration was aware of his work with Maduro’s opponents, a claim Ballard found disingenuous. Ballard ultimately blocked Rivera’s contact information.

“I have nothing to do with this David,” Ballard wrote to Rivera. “I don’t find it humorous at all.”