Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Alleged Demand from President Trump to Maduro.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump issued a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and exit the country – at once.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you must depart from the country right away," the U.S. president allegedly said, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign right then and is said to have presented a series of counter-demands, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to cede political control while retaining control of the military.
Recent Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This exchange marks the latest increase of strains between the two nations. On Monday, Trump allegedly met with his leading security officials to deliberate on the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that meeting were not disclosed.
Salient Details from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought international immunity and ongoing control over the military.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided further information about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in late November.
