US Officially Recognizes Edmundo González as Venezuela's President-Elect

The recognition follows a disputed election in which Nicolás Maduro claimed victory despite allegations of fraud.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared Edmundo González as Venezuela's president-elect for the first time, signaling a shift in US policy.
The US recognition comes after the opposition claimed González won with twice as many votes as Maduro, based on tally sheets they published online.
Venezuela's National Electoral Council, aligned with Maduro, declared him the winner without releasing detailed vote counts, prompting international skepticism.
González has been in exile in Spain since September after facing persecution and an arrest warrant in Venezuela.
The US decision occurs as Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency, with expectations of a tougher stance on Venezuela.