President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, who is regarded by the United States and much of the international community as the rightful president-elect of Venezuela, to attend his inauguration ceremony scheduled for this Monday in Washington. Sources close to the opposition team have confirmed González's plans to arrive in the U.S. over the weekend to witness Trump's swearing-in ceremony. Trump has previously voiced support for opposition leader María Corina Machado's integrity after she was abducted by Chavista forces on January 9.
During his stay in the United States, González also intends to hold meetings with officials from the new administration. However, any potential meeting with President Trump will depend on his schedule's availability, as reported by El Nuevo Herald. Additionally, González plans to travel to South Florida next week to engage with members of the Venezuelan community residing there.
González is currently in Guatemala as part of an international tour aimed at garnering support for Venezuela's democratic movement. Before reaching the United States, he will make a stop in Costa Rica. Initially, González intended to be sworn in as Venezuela's legitimate president on January 10, but he had to abandon those plans due to threats from the regime of Nicolás Maduro, who warned of deploying the country's air defense system against the aircraft González planned to travel on.
Despite opposition protests and over 180 demonstrations against his inauguration, Maduro was sworn in last Friday in a ceremony attended by a limited number of international representatives, including the presidents of Cuba and Nicaragua, Miguel Díaz-Canel and Daniel Ortega. Several regional leaders, such as Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, are expected to be present at Trump's inauguration.
Key Questions about Edmundo González's Visit to Trump’s Inauguration
Why did Donald Trump invite Edmundo González to his inauguration?
Donald Trump invited Edmundo González as he is recognized by the U.S. and much of the international community as Venezuela's legitimate president-elect, highlighting the U.S. support for Venezuela's democratic movement.
What are Edmundo González's plans during his visit to the United States?
During his visit, González plans to attend Trump's inauguration, meet with officials from the new administration, and travel to South Florida to connect with the Venezuelan community there.
What happened to Edmundo González's plan to be sworn in as Venezuela's president?
González had to abandon his plan to be sworn in as Venezuela's president due to threats from Nicolás Maduro's regime, which warned of deploying air defense against his flight.