Sources indicate that formerPresident Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon the presidency – and exit the nation – without delay.
According to reports, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and your family, but you must depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly said, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to resign immediately."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to step down immediately and reportedly made a set of conditions, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to give up political control while keeping control of the military.
New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This exchange represents the latest increase of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his top national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that meeting were not revealed.
Salient Details from the Reported Exchange
- Demand: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the offer for a fast exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place amid a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan administration.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released more information about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which reportedly occurred in late November.
