Notably, the US does not recognise Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro as the country’s rightful leader following disputed elections. Trump cited two reasons for the action: the flow of drugs into the US from the South American nation and criminal invasion. Notably, the US does not recognise Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro as the country’s rightful leader following disputed elections. Trump cited two reasons for the action: the flow of drugs into the US from the South American nation and criminal invasion.