🔗 Share this article Diplomatic Strains involving Venezuela Escalate After Reported Demand from President Trump to Nicolás Maduro. Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave power – and flee the country – at once. According to accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to leave the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign immediately." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have made a list of requests, such as global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while maintaining command of the armed forces. Latest Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions This development marks the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela issue, though particulars of that gathering have not been disclosed. Central Elements from the Reported Conversation Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives. Reported Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a rapid exit. Counter-Demands: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the military. Broader Context: This occurs during a broader U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional details about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly taken place in late November.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Maduro: leave power – and flee the country – at once. According to accounts, the American president reportedly conducted a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to leave the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly said, providing safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign immediately." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have made a list of requests, such as global immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while maintaining command of the armed forces. Latest Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions This development marks the latest heightening of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela issue, though particulars of that gathering have not been disclosed. Central Elements from the Reported Conversation Ultimatum: Immediate departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives. Reported Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a rapid exit. Counter-Demands: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued control over the military. Broader Context: This occurs during a broader U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to removing the Venezuelan administration. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional details about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly taken place in late November.