Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Alleged Ultimatum from Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump issued a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave power – and exit the country – at once.
Per reports, the American president supposedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must exit the country immediately," the U.S. president reportedly stated, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down without delay."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign on the spot and is said to have presented a set of counter-demands, including global amnesty and being allowed to cede political control while retaining command of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This development represents the latest escalation of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump allegedly convened with his senior national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela situation, though details of that discussion were not made public.
Central Elements from the Reported Exchange
- Demand: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place within a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing 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 governments have released additional details about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have happened in the latter part of November.
