Tensions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Alleged Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and flee the nation – without delay.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to exit the country immediately," the U.S. president allegedly declared, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have made a set of conditions, including international legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while keeping control of the military.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This incident constitutes the latest escalation of strains between the two countries. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior security officials to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though details of that meeting were not revealed.
Salient Details from the Alleged Conversation
- Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit.
- Conditions: Sought global amnesty and continued authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs within a broader American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan regime.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the matters discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.