Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise After Reported Demand from President Trump to Maduro.
Reports suggest that ex-President Donald Trump issued a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: abandon office – and depart the country – immediately.
Per accounts, the American president allegedly held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a months-long diplomatic offensive that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You can save yourself and your family, but you must exit the country now," the U.S. president allegedly declared, promising safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to resign without delay."
However, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to relinquish power right then and is said to have presented a list of conditions, including worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while keeping control of the armed forces.
New Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Strain
This exchange marks the latest escalation of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly held talks with his senior foreign policy team to deliberate on the Venezuelan crisis, though specifics of that meeting have not been revealed.
Central Details from the Reported Conversation
- Demand: Prompt resignation and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Alleged Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a swift exit.
- Conditions: Sought global amnesty and continued control over the military.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a broader American diplomatic and military push designed to removing the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump was quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided more information about the matters discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is thought to have happened in late November.
