Tensions involving Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Purported Demand from President Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and flee the country – at once.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and your family, but you have to exit the country right away," Trump reportedly declared, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power on the spot and reportedly made a series of requests, such as international amnesty and being allowed to cede political control while keeping command of the armed forces.
Latest Escalation in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This development represents the most recent heightening of tensions between the two nations. On Monday, Trump reportedly convened with his top national security advisers to review the Venezuela crisis, though specifics of that meeting were not revealed.
Salient Elements from the Alleged Exchange
- Final Offer: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing authority over the army.
- Wider Situation: This takes place amid a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I can't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered more particulars about the matters talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.