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US President Donald Trump says he
It came minutes after the 35-year-old declared himself as acting leader in Caracas on Wednesday.
Tens of thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets in protest against President Nicolás Maduro, who was sworn in for a second term earlier this month, after a poll considered a sham by much of the international community.
In response to Mr Trump’s recognition of the opposition leader, Mr Maduro gave all US diplomatic staff in Venezuela 72 hours to leave the country.
Speaking in Caracas, Mr Guaidó told a cheering crowd that the protests would continue “until Venezuela is liberated. Footage from Wednesday’s protests showed demonstrators facing off against National Guard security forces, tear gas being dispersed and vehicles on fire.
Mr Guaidó, who is head of the country’s National Assembly, has called on the armed forces – who have so far backed Mr Maduro – to disobey the government.
He has promised to lead a transition government and hold free elections
In a statement,Mr Trump described Mr Maduro’s leadership as “illegitimate”and said the country’s congress, led by Mr Guaidó, was the only “legitimate branch of government” in the country.
