11 featured guests at President Trump's 2020 State of the Union address

By Samuel Smith, Deputy Managing Editor Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido

Trump declared that U.S. leadership is “once again” “standing up for freedom in our hemisphere.” He assured that the U.S. is supporting the hopes of Cubans, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to “restore democracy.”

“The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro.” Trump said, calling Maduro an “illegitimate ruler” who “brutalizes his people.”

Trump declared that Maduro’s “grip on tyranny will be smashed and broken.”

“Here this evening is a very brave man who carries with him the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all Venezuelans,” Trump said. “Joining us in the gallery is the true and legitimate President of Venezuela, Juan Guaido.”

Since the 2019 election, Guaido has received the backing of the National Assembly and dozens of foreign governments. However, Maduro has maintained control.

“Please take this message back that all Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom,” Trump assured Guaido. “Thank you very much, Mr. President.”