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May 2, 2019

Trump Administration Says It May Go to War to Oust Venezuelan President
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In Venezuela, government security forces clashed with anti-government
protesters in the streets of Caracas Wednesday, two days after
Venezuelan opposition leaders launched a failed bid to overthrow the
government of President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking to a massive crowd of
supporters outside the presidential palace of Miraflores, Maduro said
Wednesday that President Trump-and his national security adviser John
Bolton-were directly involved in the attempted coup d'état.

President Nicolás Maduro: "The coup that was attempted yesterday, this
coup skirmish, was personally directed from the White House, from John
Bolton. I denounce it."

In Washington, the National Security Council held a principals' meeting
on Wednesday to discuss Venezuela. The Washington Post reports the staff
of national security adviser John Bolton clashed with a top general
during the meeting for not presenting sufficient military options on
Venezuela. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Fox
Business channel the Trump administration is ready to go to war in
Venezuela.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "The president has been crystal clear
and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's
required, that's what the United States will do."

After headlines, we'll go to Caracas, Venezuela, for the latest.


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