Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Alleged Ultimatum from Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and exit the country – at once.
Per reports, the U.S. leader reportedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has featured a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and your inner circle, but you need to exit the country right away," the U.S. president allegedly stated, offering safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down right away."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign right then and reportedly made a series of requests, such as international legal immunity and the right to cede political control while retaining command of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This exchange marks the most recent increase of frictions between the two nations. Recently, Trump allegedly met with his senior national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuelan situation, though details of that meeting have not been revealed.
Central Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Demand: Instant resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the offer for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing control over the military.
- Broader Context: This takes place amid a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have released more details about the topics discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.
