Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify Following Reported Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump conveyed a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish office – and depart the country – immediately.
Per reports, the American president supposedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can secure your safety and your family, but you must leave the nation right away," Trump reportedly declared, promising assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to resign on the spot and reportedly presented a set of conditions, such as international amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while retaining command of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent heightening of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly held talks with his leading security officials to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though specifics of that discussion have not been made public.
Central Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Ultimatum: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro did not accept the offer for a swift exit.
- Requests: Sought international immunity and continued control over the military.
- Wider Situation: This takes place within a broader U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional particulars about the matters discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.
