President Trump said Sunday that sending U.S. troops to Venezuela is “an option.” Trump made the comments on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” He praised opposition leader Juan Guaidó, calling him “a young and energetic gentleman,” and said the events unfolding in Venezuela are “democracy in action.” The U.S. said Saturday it is sending humanitarian aid to Venezuela in response to a request from Guaidó. The arrival of U.S. aid will likely set up a test for the Venezuelan military, which will have to decide whether to allow supplies to enter the country. The military has continued to support President Nicolás Maduro; however, on Saturday, Air Force General Francisco Yánez defected and pledged loyalty to Guaidó.

Meanwhile, an ultimatum issued by Britain, France, Germany and Spain for Maduro to call new presidential elections expired Sunday. In the capital Caracas, thousands participated in competing protests.

At a pro-Maduro protest, the president called on militia members to join the Venezuelan Army. On Saturday, Maduro called for early elections in the National Assembly and once again warned against foreign military intervention.

President Nicolás Maduro: “Step forward. Abandon interventionism, Yankee imperialism. Stop calling for war. Stop calling for Yankee military intervention of the country. Stop supporting a coup that has already failed.”
Canada is hosting a meeting of the Lima Group today. Canada and the Lima Group—minus Mexico—say they recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as president.