Frictions involving Venezuela Intensify After Alleged Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a direct message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon power – and depart the country – at once.
As stated in accounts, the American president allegedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to depart from the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, promising safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have presented a set of conditions, such as global immunity from prosecution and being allowed to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This development represents the latest escalation of frictions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that meeting were not disclosed.
Salient Points from the Alleged Exchange
- Demand: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a swift exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a larger American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released additional details about the subjects discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly occurred in late November.
