Frictions with Venezuela Intensify In the Wake of Reported Demand from Trump to Maduro.
Sources indicate that ex-President Trump delivered a direct demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave power – and depart the nation – without delay.
As stated in accounts, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you need to depart from the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign without delay."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to resign on the spot and is said to have made a series of requests, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to cede political control while keeping command of the military.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Strain
This exchange constitutes the most recent escalation of tensions between the two countries. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly convened with his top foreign policy team to review the Venezuela crisis, though details of that meeting were not revealed.
Central Details from the Reported Exchange
- Demand: Instant resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought international immunity and continued authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This occurs during a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have released more information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is believed to have taken place in the latter part of November.
