US Recognizes Opposition Candidate Edmundo González as Winner of Venezuela's Presidential Election

The US government has recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of Venezuela's presidential election, despite the country's electoral authority declaring Nicolás Maduro the victor. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that it is clear to the US and the Venezuelan people that Maduro lost the popular vote, citing overwhelming evidence that Urrutia received the most votes. The US has called for a peaceful transition of power in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law, while the opposition has gone into hiding due to fears for their safety.