🔗 Share this article Tensions with Venezuela Rise After Alleged Demand from Donald Trump to Maduro. It is alleged that formerPresident Trump conveyed a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and exit the country – immediately. According to accounts, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to exit the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, offering safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down immediately." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including global legal immunity and being allowed to give up civilian authority while keeping command of the military. Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Tensions This incident represents the latest heightening of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly met with his leading foreign policy team to review the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that gathering were not revealed. Salient Details from the Reported Exchange Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a fast exit. Conditions: Sought international immunity and continued control over the army. Broader Context: This takes place during a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan government. Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional information about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which is believed to have taken place in late November.
It is alleged that formerPresident Trump conveyed a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and exit the country – immediately. According to accounts, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast. "You have the chance to secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to exit the country right away," the U.S. president reportedly said, offering safe passage for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down immediately." Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president reportedly declined to relinquish power right then and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including global legal immunity and being allowed to give up civilian authority while keeping command of the military. Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Bilateral Tensions This incident represents the latest heightening of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly met with his leading foreign policy team to review the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that gathering were not revealed. Salient Details from the Reported Exchange Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a fast exit. Conditions: Sought international immunity and continued control over the army. Broader Context: This takes place during a wider U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at removing the Venezuelan government. Upon being asked about the call, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a telephone conversation." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have offered additional information about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which is believed to have taken place in late November.