Frictions involving Venezuela Intensify After Alleged Ultimatum from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and exit the country – immediately.
According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and those closest to you, but you have to depart from the nation right away," Trump reportedly declared, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to resign right away."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to resign on the spot and is said to have presented a list of counter-demands, including global amnesty and being allowed to cede political control while retaining command of the military.
New Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange marks the latest increase of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his senior security officials to deliberate on the Venezuelan situation, though specifics of that discussion were not disclosed.
Central Details from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a swift exit.
- Conditions: Sought global amnesty and ongoing authority over the military.
- Wider Situation: This occurs amid a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan administration.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have offered additional particulars about the topics talked about during the extraordinary dialogue, which reportedly occurred in late November.
