US recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader as president

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Wednesday Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of the country in the most significant escalation in the ongoing feud between Washington and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido is the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, which Maduro refuses to recognize.

"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," Trump said in announcing his decision.

The president further called on other western hemisphere governments to follow suit in declaring Guaido Venezuela's legitimate leader.