Trump Speaks to Venezuela's Controversial "Interim President"

U.S. President Donald Trump described a "great" conversation with Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's controversial interim head of state. The call on Monday marks the first direct contact between Trump and Rodríguez. She was appointed to the role by the disputed government of Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez said the discussion was "productive and courteous." The content of their talks was not disclosed. The United States and dozens of other nations recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president. They reject Maduro's 2018 re-election as fraudulent. Trump's engagement with a senior Maduro official is a notable shift. It comes as the U.S. seeks to increase pressure on Maduro ahead of presidential elections scheduled for July.