🔗 Share this article Frictions with Venezuela Escalate After Reported Ultimatum from Trump to Nicolás Maduro. Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and depart the nation – immediately. As stated in accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You can protect yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation immediately," Trump reportedly said, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down without delay." However, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to relinquish power right then and is said to have presented a set of conditions, such as international immunity from prosecution and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining control of the military. Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain This incident represents the latest escalation of frictions between the two countries. On Monday, Trump reportedly held talks with his senior national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though particulars of that discussion were not disclosed. Key Elements from the Alleged Exchange Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a rapid exit. Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued control over the military. Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime. Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have taken place in the latter part of November.
Reports suggest that formerPresident Donald Trump delivered a unambiguous demand to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and depart the nation – immediately. As stated in accounts, the U.S. leader reportedly held a telephone conversation with his South American opposite number, who is the target of a sustained pressure campaign that has featured a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast. "You can protect yourself and your family, but you must leave the nation immediately," Trump reportedly said, providing guaranteed security for Maduro, his wife and his son "only if he agreed to step down without delay." However, the Venezuelan president reportedly refused to relinquish power right then and is said to have presented a set of conditions, such as international immunity from prosecution and the right to cede civilian authority while retaining control of the military. Latest Ratchet-Up in Persistent Two-Nation Strain This incident represents the latest escalation of frictions between the two countries. On Monday, Trump reportedly held talks with his senior national security advisers to discuss the Venezuelan crisis, though particulars of that discussion were not disclosed. Key Elements from the Alleged Exchange Ultimatum: Immediate resignation and departure from the country for Maduro and his immediate family. Alleged Declination: Maduro supposedly turned down the conditions for a rapid exit. Requests: Reportedly requested international immunity and continued control over the military. Wider Situation: This takes place during a larger U.S.-led diplomatic and military push aimed at ousting the Venezuelan regime. Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the American nor Venezuelan governments have provided additional particulars about the topics discussed during the highly unusual dialogue, which is thought to have taken place in the latter part of November.