Pedro Mario Burelli, a veteran Venezuelan political operative and an opponent of Mr. Maduro’s movement, called the visit part of an effort to “freak him out” — to scare Mr. Maduro into believing that the global political tide is increasingly turning against him.

The Venezuelan opposition leader who the United States recognized as the winner of last year's presidential election has kicked off an international tour that will also take him to the United States.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez claims victory in a disputed presidential election. International support, including from U.S. President Joe Biden, backs his claim. Gonzalez's Washington visit highlights concerns over a peaceful power transfer while incumbent Nicolas Maduro prepares for inauguration.