Frictions with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Purported Ultimatum from President Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump delivered a blunt demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and flee the country – without delay.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can secure your safety and your inner circle, but you must leave the nation right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he consented to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to resign immediately and is said to have made a set of counter-demands, including worldwide amnesty and the right to give up political control while keeping command of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Strain
This development marks the latest heightening of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly convened with his leading foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan situation, though particulars of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Key Points from the Reported Exchange
- Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Rejection: Maduro did not accept the offer for a swift exit.
- Requests: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This takes place amid a larger American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump reportedly saying, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered more information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is thought to have taken place in the latter part of November.
