Frictions with Venezuela Escalate After Reported Ultimatum from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump conveyed a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon the presidency – and exit the country – immediately.
Per reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and your family, but you must depart from the country now," the U.S. president allegedly declared, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay."
However, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to relinquish power immediately and is said to have presented a set of counter-demands, including global amnesty and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining command of the military.
New Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This incident marks the latest escalation of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly convened with his leading foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuela issue, though details of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Key Points from the Reported Conversation
- Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the terms for a fast exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and continued authority over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released more information about the subjects talked about during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly taken place in the latter part of November.
