Frictions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Reported Demand from President Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and flee the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can protect yourself and your inner circle, but you need to leave the nation immediately," Trump allegedly stated, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down immediately."
However, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to resign on the spot and is said to have made a set of requests, such as international legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while keeping control of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This incident represents the most recent increase of tensions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his top security officials to deliberate on the Venezuelan crisis, though particulars of that meeting were not disclosed.
Key Points from the Reported Conversation
- Final Offer: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a fast exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing control over the military.
- Broader Context: This takes place amid a larger American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided additional information about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly taken place in late November.
