Frictions with Venezuela Intensify After Alleged Final Offer from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Maduro: abandon power – and flee the nation – without delay.
As stated in reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a sustained diplomatic offensive that has featured a significant deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can secure your safety and your family, but you need to leave the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly declared, promising safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he agreed to resign immediately."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly refused to step down right then and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, such as international immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while maintaining control of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This exchange marks the latest increase of strains between the two countries. Recently, Trump allegedly convened with his top national security advisers to review the Venezuelan situation, though details of that discussion were not revealed.
Salient Details from the Reported Exchange
- Demand: Immediate resignation and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the offer for a rapid exit.
- Requests: Sought global amnesty and continued authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This takes place within a broader American diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have released additional details about the subjects talked about during the remarkable dialogue, which reportedly taken place in late November.
