From CNN Breaking News@VERT to no-reply@siteservices.cnn.com on Mon Jul 31 13:35:32 2017
The Treasury Department slapped sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro[1], sending a clear signal of the Trump administration's opposition to his regime.
The move comes a day after Maduro declared a sweeping victory in a vote that will allow him to further consolidate his power inÿthe crisis-torn nation.
"Yesterday's illegitimate elections confirm that Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement.
Venezuela's attorney general lambasted the election[2], which established a new legislative body made up entirely of Maduro's supporters.
"This is the end of freedom of expression," Attorney General Luisa Ortega said.
Follow CNN's updates from on the ground[3] in Venezuela.ÿ
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