WASHINGTON — Secretary Marco Rubio declared that Nicolás Maduro is not the rightful president of Venezuela, stressing that dozens of countries worldwide reject his claim to power.

“Fifty-something countries around the world do not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the rightful president. He’s not the president of Venezuela. That’s a title he’s given himself,” Rubio said.

The remarks reinforce Washington’s long-standing position that Maduro’s government lacks legitimacy, with the U.S. and many allies instead recognizing opposition figures as representatives of Venezuela’s democratic aspirations.

Rubio’s statement comes as Venezuela faces deepening political and economic turmoil, with international pressure continuing to mount on Maduro’s regime.