🔗 Share this article Frictions with Venezuela Rise Following Alleged Demand from Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro. Sources indicate that formerPresident Donald Trump conveyed a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and exit the country – at once. Per reports, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly declared, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to resign without delay." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power immediately and is said to have presented a set of conditions, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining control of the armed forces. Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions This exchange constitutes the most recent increase of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly held talks with his top foreign policy team to review the Venezuela situation, though details of that gathering were not made public. Salient Points from the Reported Exchange Final Offer: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a swift exit. Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing control over the army. Broader Context: This occurs during a wider American pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have taken place in late November.
Sources indicate that formerPresident Donald Trump conveyed a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish power – and exit the country – at once. Per reports, the American president allegedly held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the nation immediately," the U.S. president allegedly declared, offering guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to resign without delay." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power immediately and is said to have presented a set of conditions, such as worldwide legal immunity and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining control of the armed forces. Latest Ratchet-Up in Ongoing Two-Nation Tensions This exchange constitutes the most recent increase of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly held talks with his top foreign policy team to review the Venezuela situation, though details of that gathering were not made public. Salient Points from the Reported Exchange Final Offer: Immediate departure from power and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Reported Declination: Maduro reportedly rejected the conditions for a swift exit. Counter-Demands: Reportedly requested global amnesty and ongoing control over the army. Broader Context: This occurs during a wider American pressure campaign aimed at ousting the Venezuelan government. Upon being asked about the conversation, Trump reportedly remarking, "I wouldn't say it was successful or badly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the matters talked about during the highly unusual exchange, which is believed to have taken place in late November.