Maduro cuts ties with US recognizes Guaidó as president

President Donald Trump has said that he no longer recognizes Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Maduro faced the most direct challenge to his hold on power on Wednesday, when an opposition leader stood in the streets of the capital and declared himself the legitimate president, cheered on by thousands of supporters and a growing number of governments, including the Trump administration.

Maduro responded furiously by cutting diplomatic ties with the United States. He gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country, ordering them out with a derisive “be gone!” and accusing the Trump administration of plotting to overthrow him. The United States said it would ignore the deadline.

“The United States does not recognize the Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela,” Pompeo said in a statement. “Accordingly the United States does not consider former president Nicolas Maduro to have the legal authority to break diplomatic relations with the United States or to declare our diplomats persona non grata.”

Guaidó, along with the Trump administration and a number of other international observers, argue that Maduro isn’t the rightful president of the South American nation and that last May’s presidential election was rigged so that the dictator could win a second six-year term.

Citing Venezuela’s constitution, Guaidó and others say the sham vote means that he, as the head of the National Assembly (the country’s legislative body), is the rightful — albeit temporary — leader of the country since there’s no legitimate president. Guaidó also incited Wednesday’s country-wide protests to compel Maduro’s resignation by showcasing the rampant displeasure for his leadership.

Maduro immediately dismissed Guaidó’s claim to the presidency, calling it part of an American-led conspiracy to topple him.

Maduro said on Wednesday that “no one here is surrendering.” And with the military and much of the country’s major institutions on his side, there is little incentive for Maduro to step down.

Demonstrating his continued grip on power, he signed an order expelling American diplomats on the balcony of the presidential palace.

Maduro’s reaction came a few hours after Trump, in a White House statement, formally announced his recognition of Guaidó as the interim leader of Venezuela.

At the White House on Wednesday, Trump said “all options are on the table” should Maduro refuse to resign.