Tensions with Venezuela Rise After Reported Ultimatum from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump delivered a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and depart the nation – immediately.
According to reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can secure your safety and your inner circle, but you must exit the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly stated, offering assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to step down right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to resign immediately and is said to have made a set of counter-demands, such as global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while retaining control of the military.
Latest Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This development represents the latest heightening of strains between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly convened with his top foreign policy team to review the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that gathering have not been made public.
Salient Details from the Reported Conversation
- Demand: Prompt departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a fast exit.
- Requests: Sought international immunity and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Wider Situation: This occurs amid a larger American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released more particulars about the topics talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which reportedly taken place in late November.
