🔗 Share this article Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Escalate In the Wake of Reported Ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro. Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump issued a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave the presidency – and exit the nation – immediately. According to accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast. "You can save yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation now," Trump allegedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down right away." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power immediately and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while maintaining control of the military. Latest Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions This development represents the latest escalation of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly convened with his senior foreign policy team to review the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that gathering have not been disclosed. Central Details from the Alleged Conversation Ultimatum: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit. Requests: Sought international immunity and continued authority over the army. Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government. When questioned about the conversation, 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 administrations have released additional particulars about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is believed to have happened in the latter part of November.
Sources indicate that ex-President Donald Trump issued a unambiguous ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: leave the presidency – and exit the nation – immediately. According to accounts, the U.S. leader allegedly held a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a major deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast. "You can save yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation now," Trump allegedly said, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he consented to step down right away." Nonetheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly refused to relinquish power immediately and reportedly made a set of counter-demands, including worldwide immunity from prosecution and the right to give up political control while maintaining control of the military. Latest Escalation in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions This development represents the latest escalation of frictions between the Washington and Caracas. On Monday, Trump reportedly convened with his senior foreign policy team to review the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that gathering have not been disclosed. Central Details from the Alleged Conversation Ultimatum: Instant departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Refusal: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a fast exit. Requests: Sought international immunity and continued authority over the army. Wider Situation: This takes place within a larger American pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan government. When questioned about the conversation, 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 administrations have released additional particulars about the subjects discussed during the extraordinary dialogue, which is believed to have happened in the latter part of November.