"Nicolas Maduro is a usurper with no legitimate claim to power, and Nicolas Maduro must go," Pence said. "In the days ahead, the United States will announce even stronger sanctions on the regime's corrupt financial networks," Pence said. Pence directly addressed Venezuela's armed forces, who continue to support Maduro. Pence noted Guaido's offer of amnesty to members of the military and said the interim president does not seek retribution. "We know that what's holding many of you back is not loyalty to Maduro," Pence said, "but fear, fear for your families whom Cuban-trained secret police have kept under constant surveillance."

Source: CNN February 25, 2019 17:46 UTC