🔗 Share this article Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate Following Reported Ultimatum from Trump to Maduro. Reports suggest that ex-President Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish power – and exit the country – without delay. Per accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you need to depart from the country immediately," Trump allegedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down right away." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power right then and is said to have presented a list of requests, such as international immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control while maintaining control of the military. Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain This incident constitutes the most recent heightening of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly met with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that discussion were not disclosed. Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation Final Offer: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a fast exit. Requests: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the military. Broader Context: This occurs amid a broader American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided additional particulars about the subjects talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
Reports suggest that ex-President Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish power – and exit the country – without delay. Per accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you need to depart from the country immediately," Trump allegedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down right away." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power right then and is said to have presented a list of requests, such as international immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control while maintaining control of the military. Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain This incident constitutes the most recent heightening of frictions between the two countries. Recently, Trump reportedly met with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuelan issue, though particulars of that discussion were not disclosed. Salient Elements from the Alleged Conversation Final Offer: Prompt departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the terms for a fast exit. Requests: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the military. Broader Context: This occurs amid a broader American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided additional particulars about the subjects talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.