As protesters fill Venezuela's streets, Trump recognizes opposition leader as rightful president
CARACAS, Venezuela - As masses of Venezuelans turned out to protest their government, the Trump administration took the unusual and provocative step Wednesday of recognizing the leader of Venezuela's political opposition as the country's legitimate president.
In Caracas, the leader, a young and charismatic engineer named Juan Guaido, declared he was assuming the mantle of acting president - and braced for reaction from President Nicolas Maduro and his security forces.
And react he did: Maduro announced he was breaking diplomatic ties, already strained, with Washington and giving U.S. personnel 72 hours to abandon the country.
"Anyone can declare himself president, but it's the Venezuelan people who elect him, not the gringo government," Maduro declared to his supporters rallying outside the presidential palace. He swiftly branded Guaido
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days