Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate Following Alleged Final Offer from Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave office – and flee the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can secure your safety and your family, but you must exit the nation right away," the U.S. president reportedly declared, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign right away."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to step down immediately and is said to have made a set of counter-demands, such as international immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control while keeping command of the armed forces.
Latest Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This incident marks the most recent increase of tensions between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly convened with his top security officials to discuss the Venezuelan issue, though specifics of that discussion have not been made public.
Central Elements from the Reported Conversation
- Demand: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought international immunity and ongoing authority over the military.
- Wider Situation: This occurs during a broader American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released additional particulars about the subjects discussed during the remarkable dialogue, which reportedly taken place in the latter part of November.
