Trump's secretary of state slams Jeremy Corbyn's support for Nicolás Maduro as 'disgusting'

LONDON — Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, has attacked the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn over what Pompeo called Corbyn's “disgusting” support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.Speaking during a visit to Westminster on Wednesday, Pompeo, one of the most senior Trump administration officials, said it was “disgusting to see leaders in not only the United Kingdom but in the United States as well who continue to support the murderous dictator Maduro.”He added: “No leader in a country with Western democratic values ought to stand behind [Maduro].”Corbyn has previously expressed support for the left-wing leader of Venezuela and criticized US moves against the South American country's government.In February, he came out against foreign interference in the country and criticized US sanctions.“We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else,” Corbyn said.His representative doubled down on these remarks on Wednesday, saying: “We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else. The future of Venezuela is a matter for Venezuelans.”UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, speaking at a press conference alongside Pompeo, said Brits should “draw their own conclusions” about Corbyn's views on the Venezuelan government.An economic crisis in Venezuela has left many of its people without access to basic essentials and prompted millions to leave the country.Maduro last week overcame an attempted coup by the opposition politician Juan Guaidó, who is recognized by the UK, the US, and the European Union as the interim president of Venezuela.Corbyn has refused to attend a state banquet with President Donald Trump scheduled for next month in the UK.