Tensions with Venezuela Intensify Following Purported Ultimatum from Donald Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump delivered a direct message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave the presidency – and flee the country – without delay.
Per accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly conducted a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you must depart from the country now," Trump allegedly stated, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign without delay."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to resign immediately and is said to have made a set of conditions, including global immunity from prosecution and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining command of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This incident represents the latest increase of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his senior national security advisers to review the Venezuelan issue, though details of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Key Elements from the Alleged Conversation
- Demand: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing control over the army.
- Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger American pressure campaign aimed at removing 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 offered further details about the subjects discussed during the remarkable exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.