🔗 Share this article Tensions with Venezuela Intensify Following Purported Ultimatum from Trump to Maduro. Reports suggest that ex-President Trump issued a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the nation – without delay. Per accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you need to depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly stated, offering safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to resign immediately." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to step down right then and is said to have presented a list of requests, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining control of the military. New Escalation in Ongoing Two-Nation Strain This development constitutes the latest increase of frictions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his leading security officials to review the Venezuela issue, though details of that discussion were not disclosed. Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation Demand: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing authority over the army. Broader Context: This takes place within a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration. When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided further details about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump issued a blunt message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the nation – without delay. Per accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you need to depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly stated, offering safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to resign immediately." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to step down right then and is said to have presented a list of requests, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining control of the military. New Escalation in Ongoing Two-Nation Strain This development constitutes the latest increase of frictions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his leading security officials to review the Venezuela issue, though details of that discussion were not disclosed. Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation Demand: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing authority over the army. Broader Context: This takes place within a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration. When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided further details about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.