Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Reported Ultimatum from Donald Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and flee the country – at once.
Per reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you need to leave the country immediately," Trump reportedly declared, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a set of conditions, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while keeping command of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This exchange marks the latest increase of frictions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his top foreign policy team to review the Venezuelan situation, though specifics of that meeting were not made public.
Key Elements from the Alleged Exchange
- Final Offer: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the offer for a rapid exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs within a wider American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered further details about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have occurred in late November.
