Frictions involving Venezuela Rise After Reported Demand from Donald Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Trump issued a direct message to Venezuelan leader Maduro: relinquish power – and flee the country – immediately.
According to reports, the U.S. leader reportedly held a phone call with his South American opposite number, who is the focus of a months-long pressure campaign that has included a substantial deployment of warships off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to secure your safety and your inner circle, but you have to leave the country right away," Trump reportedly said, promising assured transit for Maduro, his spouse and his son "only if he agreed to resign immediately."
Nevertheless, the Venezuelan president allegedly declined to relinquish power on the spot and is said to have made a set of counter-demands, such as global legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining command of the armed forces.
New Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Tensions
This exchange marks the latest heightening of strains between the Washington and Caracas. Recently, Trump reportedly met with his top security officials to deliberate on the Venezuela issue, though specifics of that meeting were not disclosed.
Central Elements from the Reported Conversation
- Final Offer: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the terms for a fast exit.
- Requests: Sought protection from prosecution worldwide and continued authority over the army.
- Broader Context: This occurs within a larger U.S.-led pressure campaign designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration.
When questioned about the conversation, Trump was quoted as stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a telephone conversation." Neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional information about the topics discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which reportedly occurred in the latter part of November.
