U.S. Push to Oust Venezuela’s Maduro Marks First Shot in Plan to Reshape Latin America

“The Trump administration’s attempt to force out the president of Venezuela marked the opening of a new strategy to exert greater U.S. influence over Latin America, according to administration officials.

In sight isn’t just Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, but also Cuba, an antagonist that has dominated American attention in the region for more than 50 years, as well as recent inroads made by Russia, China and Iran. …

The goal, the administration’s thinking goes, is to sever ties that bind Venezuela to Cuba and sink regimes in both countries. …

After Venezuela and Cuba, U.S. officials are eyeing Nicaragua. …

On Jan. 22, top administration officials, including Mr. Pompeo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Mr. Bolton and Mr. Mnuchin discussed options. Mr. Trump decided he was ready to support a regime change.

That night, Vice President Mike Pence called Mr. Guaidó to express Washington’s willingness to back him. The next day, Mr. Guaidó declared himself president and the U.S., along with Canada and most South American countries, officially recognized Mr. Guaidó as the new leader of Venezuela.”