US Recognizes Venezuela Opposition Leader as Legitimate Interim President

Tens of thousands march in Venezuela against Maduro dictatorship

Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself acting president during a mass opposition rally in Caracas on Jan. 23, 2019, against leader Nicolas Maduro on the anniversary of the 1958 uprising that overthrew the country’s military dictatorship. Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images

BOGOTA, Colombia—U.S. President Donald Trump has recognized the head of Venezuela’s opposition-controlled congress as the country’s legitimate interim president.

In front of hundreds of supporters on Jan. 23, Juan Guaidó, leader of the opposition-run National Assembly, swore himself in as “interim president” in the hope of soon being recognized by the United States as Venezuela’s legitimate political leader.