Frictions with Venezuela Intensify Following Alleged Ultimatum from Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump conveyed a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave office – and flee the country – immediately.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and those closest to you, but you need to exit the nation right away," Trump reportedly declared, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign immediately and is said to have presented a set of requests, such as international legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while maintaining command of the military.
New Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions
This development represents the latest increase of frictions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his top national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuelan crisis, though specifics of that meeting were not made public.
Key Points from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This occurs during a larger American diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released further information about the topics discussed during the remarkable exchange, which is believed to have taken place in late November.