Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is blasting CNN’s coverage of the ongoing situation in Venezuela as “shameful” and “grotesque.”

The Republican senator is most offended by the network’s decision to call what is happening in Venezuela an “armed coup.”

“Just saw @CNN shamefully call what is happening today in #Venezuela a ‘coup attempt’ @jguaido is recognized as legitimate interim President of #Venezuela by constitution,over 50 countries & OAS. The only coup is the one carried out by #Cuba in support of dictator #Maduro,” tweeted Rubio on Tuesday.

Just saw @CNN shamefully call what is happening today in #Venezuela a “coup attempt” @jguaido is recognized as legitimate interim President of #Venezuela by constitution,over 50 countries & OAS. The only coup is the one carried out by #Cuba in support of dictator #Maduro — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

The senator went on to call CNN’s coverage of events as “some of the most shameful reporting ever.”

“Some of the most shameful reporting ever by @CNN right now. Calling what is happening in #Venezuela an ‘armed coup.’ @jguaido efforts are supported by virtually every nation in the region. Grotesque,” he wrote.

Rubio has spent much of Tuesday posting updates about Venezuela to his Twitter timeline. He is often translating Spanish-language news reports into English.

Source: Fox News

Protests in favor of removing the current Venezuela administration and putting Juan Guaido in charge turned violent on Tuesday when video hit the web showing government security forces driving a vehicle into a crowd of protestors.

!!! Intense clashes, a Venezuelan military vehicle just drove into a crowd of civilians on the highway. #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/pcSTd3TwMf — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) April 30, 2019

The U.S. State Department has warned American citizens in Venezuela to leave the country as soon as possible. They have said there are no plans for a government evacuation at this time.

“U.S. citizens in Venezuela should depart immediately if possible, or shelter in place. Commercial flights remain available. There are no plans for a U.S. gov’t coordinated evacuation at this time,” they tweeted.

State Department: U.S. citizens in Venezuela should depart immediately if possible, or shelter in place. Commercial flights remain available. There are no plans for a U.S. gov't coordinated evacuation at this time. pic.twitter.com/WllvK4UqyX — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 30, 2019

Senator Rubio has put his support behind the Venezuela protestors and said the authoritarian regime in charge of the country has left people with no other options.

“For those who have not followed #Venezuela understand this uprising today is not ideological. This is the result of desperation after years of hunger,disease & mass migration caused by #MaduroRegime corruption, incompetence & abuses. They see no other options left to bring change,” he tweeted.

For those who have not followed #Venezuela understand this uprising today is not ideological This is the result of desperation after years of hunger,disease & mass migration caused by #MaduroRegime corruption, incompetence & abuses. They see no other options left to bring change — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019

Guaido, along with detained activist Leopoldo Lopez, called for an uprising to remove Nicholas Maduro from office on Tuesday morning. Guaido showed up at the La Carlota airbase near Caracas and announced that the nation’s armed forces had agreed to back him as the country’s leader.

“The armed forces have taken the right decision,” Guaido said. “With the support of the Venezuelan people and the backing of our constitution, they are on the right side of history.”

He then said, “The moment is now.”

Maduro has refused to leave office since Venezuela’s legislature legally replaced him with Guaido. Maduro has boasted that Guaido is lying about having the support of the country’s armed forces. Maduro claims the military still supports him.

“Nerves of steel! I have spoken to the commanders of all the [armed forces] of the country, who have manifested their total loyalty to the People, the Constitution, and the Nation,” Maduro wrote on Twitter. “I call for the maximum popular mobilization to ensure the victory of Peace. We will triumph!”

¡Nervios de Acero! He conversado con los Comandantes de todas las REDI y ZODI del País, quienes me han manifestado su total lealtad al Pueblo, a la Constitución y a la Patria. Llamo a la máxima movilización popular para asegurar la victoria de la Paz. ¡Venceremos! — Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) April 30, 2019

The Trump administration has also thrown its support behind the protests and recognized Guaido as the rightful leader of the country.

“To Juan Guaido, the National Assembly and all the freedom-loving people of Venezuela who are taking to the streets today in #operacionlibertad—Estamos con ustedes! We are with you! America will stand with you until freedom & democracy are restored. Vayan con dios!” wrote Vice President Mike Pence on Twitter.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said the United States supports the “Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy.”