Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Alleged Ultimatum from President Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave the presidency – and flee the country – at once.
As stated in accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can secure your safety and your family, but you need to exit the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly stated, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign right away."
However, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to step down on the spot and is said to have presented a set of requests, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to give up civilian authority while retaining command of the armed forces.
Recent Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This development marks the most recent heightening of frictions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuela issue, though details of that gathering have not been revealed.
Key Elements from the Reported Exchange
- Final Offer: Immediate departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This occurs amid a larger American diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional details about the topics talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly happened in late November.
