President Trump said Wednesday he is recognizing a political opponent of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as president of that country, as thousands of people were demonstrating against the Maduro regime.
“Today, I am officially recognizing the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido, as the Interim President of Venezuela,” he said. “In its role as the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people, the National Assembly invoked the country’s constitution to declare Nicolas Maduro illegitimate, and the office of the presidency therefore vacant.”
Recommended Stories
Trump’s declaration put his administration squarely in support of an ongoing effort to overthrow the Maduro regime, as Guaido has been leading protests timed to coincide with the anniversary of a previous dictator’s overthrow. The statement caps a week of escalating rhetoric from U.S. officials and regional leaders, while Maduro relies on the Venezuelan military to hold onto power.
“The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law,” Trump said. “I will continue to use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy.”
