🔗 Share this article Frictions involving Venezuela Intensify After Purported Demand from Trump to Maduro. Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and depart the nation – without delay. According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must depart from the nation now," the U.S. president allegedly stated, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to resign immediately and reportedly made a series of requests, such as worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to cede political control while retaining command of the military. Recent Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain This exchange marks the most recent escalation of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior national security advisers to review the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that discussion were not made public. Central Details from the Reported Conversation Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Rejection: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a swift exit. Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing authority over the army. Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered more information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon the presidency – and depart the nation – without delay. According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and those closest to you, but you must depart from the nation now," the U.S. president allegedly stated, providing safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to step down right away." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to resign immediately and reportedly made a series of requests, such as worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to cede political control while retaining command of the military. Recent Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain This exchange marks the most recent escalation of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior national security advisers to review the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that discussion were not made public. Central Details from the Reported Conversation Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Rejection: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a swift exit. Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing authority over the army. Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as remarking, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have offered more information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.