Tensions with Venezuela Intensify After Alleged Final Offer from President Trump to Maduro.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump delivered a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave the presidency – and exit the nation – without delay.
Per reports, the American president reportedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and those closest to you, but you must depart from the country now," Trump allegedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away."
However, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have made a series of counter-demands, including global amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining command of the military.
New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This exchange marks the most recent increase of strains between the two countries. On Monday, Trump allegedly convened with his top foreign policy team to review the Venezuela crisis, though details of that meeting were not made public.
Central Elements from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan administration.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly happened in the latter part of November.
