Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate After Reported Ultimatum from Trump to Maduro.
It is alleged that ex-President Trump issued a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon office – and flee the nation – at once.
As stated in accounts, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long diplomatic offensive 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 leave the country right away," the U.S. president allegedly declared, providing assured transit for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to step down without delay."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to resign right then and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including global legal immunity and the right to cede political control while maintaining command of the armed forces.
Latest Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This incident marks the latest escalation of frictions between the two nations. Recently, Trump allegedly met with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that meeting have not been disclosed.
Key Points from the Reported Conversation
- Demand: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro reportedly rejected the offer for a swift exit.
- Requests: Reportedly requested protection from prosecution worldwide and ongoing authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This takes place within a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan regime.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have released more information about the topics talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which is thought to have happened in late November.
