Donald Trump’s decision on Wednesday 23 January to recognise the unelected right wing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s “interim President” is confirmation that a coordinated operation led by the US to bring about regime change, which is illegal under international law, is underway. Following this outrageous announcement, Trump was asked whether he would consider military action against Venezuela and he replied: “all options are on the table.” The White House is also considering the ‘nuclear option’ of imposing sanctions on Venezuela’s crude oil which would have a devastating effect on the economy.