Frictions involving Venezuela Intensify Following Alleged Ultimatum from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a direct message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave power – and flee the country – at once.
As stated in accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country immediately," Trump allegedly declared, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he consented to resign immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to resign right then and reportedly presented a set of counter-demands, such as worldwide amnesty and being allowed to give up civilian authority while maintaining control of the armed forces.
New Increase in Long-Running Bilateral Strain
This development represents the most recent increase of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly convened with his senior security officials to deliberate on the Venezuelan issue, though details of that discussion were not disclosed.
Central Details from the Alleged Exchange
- Final Offer: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought global amnesty and continued control over the army.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a phone call." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional information about the matters discussed during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.
