Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate After Reported Ultimatum from Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Donald Trump issued a blunt demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave power – and depart the country – without delay.
According to reports, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and those closest to you, but you need to leave the nation now," the U.S. president allegedly said, promising assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to step down right then and is said to have presented a list of conditions, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while retaining control of the military.
New Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent heightening of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly convened with his leading foreign policy team to review the Venezuelan crisis, though details of that gathering were not revealed.
Key Details from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a fast exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued control over the military.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have released additional particulars about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which is thought to have occurred in the latter part of November.
