Frictions with Venezuela Escalate After Reported Final Offer from President Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump conveyed a direct ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave office – and depart the country – without delay.
According to reports, the American president supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you need to leave the nation immediately," Trump allegedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a list of requests, such as worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to give up civilian authority while retaining command of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This incident marks the most recent increase of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly convened with his senior foreign policy team to deliberate on the Venezuelan issue, though details of that meeting were not disclosed.
Key Details from the Reported Conversation
- Final Offer: Prompt resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Rejection: Maduro reportedly rejected the offer for a swift exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought global amnesty and continued control over the military.
- Wider Situation: This takes place amid a broader American pressure campaign aimed at removing the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have released further information about the topics talked about during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have happened in the latter part of November.
