Trump's move to topple Maduro is fraught with risk - what happens next is unclear The Trump administration's decision to throw its weight behind opposition leader Juan Guaidó's challenge to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's rule has set the stage for a high-stakes power struggle in the crisis-torn country. With the US, much of Latin America, and several European nations now recognizing Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate leader, the stage is set for a constitutional showdown that could have far-reaching consequences. The move marks a significant escalation of US involvement in the Venezuelan crisis, which has been simmering for years as the country's economy has collapsed under Maduro's authoritarian rule. Millions have fled the country, creating a major refugee crisis, while those who remain struggle with hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine, and a breakdown of basic services. Maduro has clung to power through the use of security forces to violently suppress dissent, while manipulating the electoral process to remain in office despite his deep unpopularity. In recognizing Guaidó, who heads Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly, the US is effectively attempting to install a new government in Caracas. This is a risky gambit, as Maduro still maintains the backing of the military and has vowed to cling to power. Experts warn that the situation could spiral into open conflict, with Maduro potentially using force to crush the opposition or even sparking a civil war. The Trump administration has made clear that it views Maduro's ouster as a top priority, with National Security Advisor John Bolton declaring that "the United States stands with the people of Venezuela." However, the specific endgame remains uncertain. Will the US push for new elections, or will it try to engineer the deposing of more members of Maduro's government through diplomatic pressure and possibly even the use of force? Much will depend on how Venezuela's military responds. So far, the top brass has stood by Maduro, but there are reports of cracks in that support. If key military figures defect to Guaidó's side, that could tip the balance of power. Conversely, a brutal crackdown by Maduro's security forces could provoke international outrage and potentially lead to a US-backed intervention. Regional dynamics also complicate the picture. While US allies in Latin America, such as Brazil and Colombia, have joined in recognizing Guaidó, Maduro retains the backing of leftist governments in Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua. This divide could exacerbate regional tensions and undermine efforts to find a peaceful resolution. The risks of missteps are high. A miscalculation or overreach by either side could spark a wider conflagration, with potentially devastating consequences for the Venezuelan people. The country is already in the throes of a profound humanitarian crisis, and further unrest could severely worsen the plight of millions. Ultimately, the path forward remains highly uncertain. The Trump administration may calculate that the potential rewards of deposing Maduro - ending the refugee crisis, restoring democracy, and securing US influence in a strategically important region - are worth the risks. But Venezuela's history of political instability and the complexities of the current crisis mean that the outcome is far from assured. The stakes could not be higher for the people of Venezuela, and the world will be watching anxiously to see how this high-stakes drama unfolds.