🔗 Share this article Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Intensify After Reported Final Offer from Trump to Venezuela's Leader. Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump issued a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the country – immediately. Per reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to exit the country now," the U.S. president reportedly declared, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign without delay." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to resign on the spot and reportedly made a list of counter-demands, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while retaining control of the armed forces. New Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Strain This exchange marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though details of that discussion were not revealed. Salient Elements from the Reported Conversation Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing control over the military. Broader Context: This occurs amid a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government. When questioned 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 offered further particulars about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly happened in the latter part of November.
Sources indicate that formerPresident Trump issued a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the country – immediately. Per reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to exit the country now," the U.S. president reportedly declared, providing assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign without delay." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to resign on the spot and reportedly made a list of counter-demands, such as worldwide legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while retaining control of the armed forces. New Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Strain This exchange marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Trump allegedly convened with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though details of that discussion were not revealed. Salient Elements from the Reported Conversation Ultimatum: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the terms for a fast exit. Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and ongoing control over the military. Broader Context: This occurs amid a wider U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government. When questioned 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 offered further particulars about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly happened in the latter part of November.