President Donald Trump said that he is monitoring the situation in Venezuela and supports the Venezuelan people amid an uprising against leader Nicholas Maduro.
Protests against the socialist dictator came to a head Tuesday when Interim President Juan Guaido called for a military uprising, “Operacion Libertad,” to boot Maduro out of power. The United States recognizes Guaido as the rightful president of Venezuela and insisted that Maduro’s recent re-election was illegitimate because of the government’s corruption and violence against political opponents. (RELATED: Firefights In Venezuela Capital Amid Military Uprising)
“I am monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely,” Trump tweeted. “The United States stands with the People of Venezuela and their Freedom!”
I am monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely. The United States stands with the People of Venezuela and their Freedom!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 30, 2019
The United States has thus far declined to get militarily involved in the skirmish, but White House National Security Advisor John Bolton reiterated to reporters Tuesday that “all options are on the table.” Bolton further expressed the White House’s desire for a regime change and said he hoped Maduro would allow for a “peaceful transition of power.” (RELATED: ‘All Options Are Open’: Trump Puts Venezuelan Military On Notice)
Bolton warned Maduro that if his military harmed innocent people, there would be consequences.
The United States has imposed severe sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry in an attempt to squeeze Maduro’s resources. Vice President Mike Pence also met with Guaido’s wife, Fabiana Rosales, at the White House in March to further signal U.S. support for the anti-Maduro opposition.