Tensions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Reported Demand from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and depart the country – without delay.
Per accounts, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must depart from the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly said, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power immediately and reportedly made a set of requests, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to give up civilian authority while maintaining command of the military.
Latest Escalation in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent escalation of strains between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly met with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though specifics of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Key Elements from the Reported Conversation
- Final Offer: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro did not accept the terms for a rapid exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued control over the army.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a larger American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have offered more information about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly happened in late November.
