Tensions with Venezuela Intensify After Reported Final Offer from Donald Trump to Maduro.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and exit the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged pressure campaign that has featured a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can secure your safety and your family, but you have to exit the nation right away," the U.S. president reportedly stated, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down immediately."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have presented a series of conditions, including global legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while maintaining command of the armed forces.
Recent Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the most recent escalation of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his top security officials to deliberate on the Venezuelan issue, though specifics of that discussion were not made public.
Salient Details from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the offer for a swift exit.
- Requests: Sought international immunity and ongoing control over the military.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a larger American diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered more details about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly happened in late November.