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.

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.

"We had a long, fruitful and cordial conversation with President Biden and his team," Gonzalez told journalists after the meeting at the White House. "Our team is in contact with the team of President Trump.