Tensions involving Venezuela Rise After Alleged Ultimatum from President Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
It is alleged that formerPresident Trump conveyed a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and exit the nation – at once.
Per reports, the U.S. leader supposedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a sustained pressure campaign that has included a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You can save yourself and your inner circle, but you have to exit the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly stated, offering assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign right away."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to resign right then and is said to have presented a list of counter-demands, such as worldwide amnesty and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining control of the armed forces.
Latest Ratchet-Up in Long-Running Bilateral Tensions
This incident marks the most recent increase of tensions between the Washington and Caracas. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly met with his senior national security advisers to discuss the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that gathering have not been made public.
Key Elements from the Reported Conversation
- Demand: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro did not accept the terms for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought global amnesty and ongoing authority over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This occurs within a larger American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
When questioned about the call, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan governments have released additional information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which reportedly occurred in late November.
