🔗 Share this article Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate After Reported Ultimatum from Donald Trump to Maduro. Sources indicate that ex-President Trump conveyed a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave office – and exit the country – immediately. Per accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly declared, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to resign right then and reportedly presented a list of requests, such as international legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while keeping control of the military. New Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain This incident represents the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior security officials to deliberate on the Venezuela issue, though particulars of that discussion were not made public. Central Points from the Reported Conversation Demand: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the offer for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the armed forces. Wider Situation: This occurs during a wider American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released more details about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have taken place in late November.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump conveyed a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave office – and exit the country – immediately. Per accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly declared, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to resign right then and reportedly presented a list of requests, such as international legal immunity and being allowed to cede political control while keeping control of the military. New Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain This incident represents the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior security officials to deliberate on the Venezuela issue, though particulars of that discussion were not made public. Central Points from the Reported Conversation Demand: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the offer for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the armed forces. Wider Situation: This occurs during a wider American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I can't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released more details about the subjects talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have taken place in late November.