🔗 Share this article Frictions with Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Purported Final Offer from Trump to Nicolás Maduro. Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the country – immediately. According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can protect yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly stated, providing assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to resign immediately and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including global amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces. Latest Escalation in Ongoing Bilateral Strain This exchange marks the most recent heightening of strains between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though details of that gathering have not been revealed. Salient Details from the Alleged Exchange Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives. Alleged Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a swift exit. Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the military. Broader Context: This takes place amid a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have released additional details about the topics talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is thought to have occurred in late November.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the country – immediately. According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can protect yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly stated, providing assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to resign immediately and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including global amnesty and the right to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces. Latest Escalation in Ongoing Bilateral Strain This exchange marks the most recent heightening of strains between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his top national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though details of that gathering have not been revealed. Salient Details from the Alleged Exchange Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives. Alleged Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a swift exit. Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the military. Broader Context: This takes place amid a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have released additional details about the topics talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is thought to have occurred in late November.