Tensions with Venezuela Escalate Following Purported Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and depart the nation – immediately.
As stated in reports, the American president allegedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and those closest to you, but you need to leave the country now," the U.S. president reportedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign immediately."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have made a set of counter-demands, including global legal immunity and the right to give up political control while retaining command of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This exchange marks the most recent escalation of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly met with his leading foreign policy team to review the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that discussion were not revealed.
Salient Details from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Prompt resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a fast exit.
- Requests: Sought global amnesty and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs within a wider American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered more particulars about the matters talked about during the extraordinary dialogue, which reportedly taken place in late November.