Frictions with Venezuela Escalate In the Wake of Reported Demand from Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon power – and flee the nation – immediately.
According to accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the target of a months-long pressure campaign that has featured a major naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can secure your safety and those closest to you, but you must depart from the nation immediately," the U.S. president reportedly declared, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down without delay."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly declined to resign immediately and reportedly made a series of conditions, such as global immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control while retaining control of the armed forces.
New Escalation in Persistent Bilateral Strain
This exchange marks the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly convened with his senior foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuela crisis, though details of that meeting were not revealed.
Salient Elements from the Reported Exchange
- Final Offer: Prompt resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a fast exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested global amnesty and continued control over the military.
- Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as stating, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have offered further information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly happened in late November.
