Trump endorses Guaido as Venezuela leader

Donald Trump says the US recognises Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaido as the country's leader, calling Nicolas Maduro's government "illegitimate".

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido says he will assume all the powers of the presidency. Source: AAP

The Trump administration has ratcheted up pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, announcing US recognition of the country's opposition leader as interim president and signalling potential new sanctions against its vital oil sector.

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