Part 5/10:
When asked whether the U.S. considers Vice President Delsi Rodriguez the legitimate president, Rubio clarified that the U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader. The regime's legitimacy, he argued, is not established through elections but is widely rejected internationally—by over 60 countries, including the European Union.
Rubio highlighted that the U.S. and its allies operate with pragmatic engagement, dealing with Venezuelan authorities who control key infrastructure like airports, despite not acknowledging Maduro’s legitimacy. The ultimate aim remains a peaceful transition to legitimate governance through fair elections, which Maduro’s regime has yet to conduct.