Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Intensify After Reported Final Offer from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump issued a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish office – and flee the nation – without delay.
According to reports, the U.S. leader supposedly conducted a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the target of a prolonged diplomatic offensive that has included a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
"You have the chance to protect yourself and your inner circle, but you have to leave the country right away," Trump allegedly declared, promising safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son "conditional on he consented to resign immediately."
However, the Venezuelan leader reportedly declined to step down right then and is said to have made a series of counter-demands, such as global legal immunity and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining control of the armed forces.
Recent Escalation in Long-Running Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange represents the latest escalation of strains between the two nations. Recently, Trump allegedly held talks with his leading national security advisers to deliberate on the Venezuela crisis, though specifics of that discussion have not been revealed.
Key Details from the Alleged Exchange
- Final Offer: Instant departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his closest relatives.
- Reported Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the offer for a rapid exit.
- Counter-Demands: Sought global amnesty and ongoing control over the armed forces.
- Broader Context: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government.
Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the American nor Venezuelan administrations have provided additional details about the topics talked about during the remarkable exchange, which is thought to have taken place in the latter part of November.
