Recognizes Juan Guaidó as Interim President of Venezuela, initiating regime change campaign

Trump officially recognized Venezuelan National Assembly leader Juan Guaidó as the Interim President of Venezuela, declaring Nicolás Maduro's presidency illegitimate minutes after Guaidó swore himself in. The move initiated a 'maximum pressure' campaign that included crippling oil sanctions and repeated threats that 'all options are on the table,' implying military intervention. While supported by many Western allies, the aggressive strategy failed to dislodge Maduro, who retained military support, and arguably exacerbated Venezuela's humanitarian crisis while raising questions about U.S. interventionism in Latin America.

“I will continue to use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy.” — Statement recognizing Guaidó Quote verified against source